Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has dismissed the idea that Arsenal should prioritize signing a new striker this summer. Many believe the Gunners are eager to land a world-class forward, with Alexander Isak reportedly their main target.
Newcastle, however, are unwilling to sell Isak unless they receive an astronomical fee. Arsenal previously saw a bid for Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins rejected and may return with another offer, while RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko remains an option.
Injuries have left Arsenal struggling for attacking depth, forcing Mikel Arteta to use midfielder Mikel Merino as a makeshift striker. This has intensified speculation that a new forward will be their main summer focus.
Despite this, Carragher argues that Arsenal should prioritize creativity over a No.9. Speaking on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football, he defended Kai Havertz’s overall contributions beyond just scoring goals.
He acknowledged that Havertz may not be a world-class striker but insisted his all-around play is crucial to the team. Carragher also highlighted how difficult it is to find an elite striker in today’s market.
Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez, Manchester United’s Rasmus Hojlund, and Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson have all been scrutinized, showing the lack of top-quality forwards. Carragher believes Arsenal could struggle to find a significant upgrade.
Instead, he suggests Arteta should focus on adding more creative players. Finding a striker who can both score consistently and match Havertz’s tactical work would be a tough challenge. Carragher also shared his thoughts on Arsenal’s Premier League campaign, predicting they will likely finish second but need to stay cautious in the top-four race.
He believes their 1-1 draw with Manchester United ended their title hopes. Expecting them to drop more points, he suggests their focus should now be on securing a Champions League spot.