Alan Shearer admits Arsenal star has impressed him but insists Arteta needs replacement | OneFootball

Arsenal have finished behind Manchester City in each of the last two seasons in the Premier League, and Alan Shearer believes a key signing could help them get the job done.

The former striker has praised Kai Havertz following an impressive start to the season, but he believes the Gunners must sign a striker if they are serious about challenging for the title.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has deployed Havertz as the man to lead the line since last term, and he has bagged 21 goals since then.

Not many forwards can boast such a return, but landing a more prolific forward could boost Arsenal’s title aspirations.

“I’ve been impressed with what I’ve seen from Havertz this season,” Shearer replied during a Q and A session on The Athletic when asked if he thinks the German can continue to develop as a centre-forward at Arsenal.

“In terms of being a traditional centre-forward, see Cole Palmer. Those things aren’t natural to him, but in terms of leading the line and bringing people into the game, he’s doing it and done it as well as he could, even if it has been a difficult few games for Arsenal.

“I haven’t changed my view since last season. They’ve got Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Jesus, but I’d still say they need an out-and-out centre-forward. They needed one in the summer. They still do now.”

The Gunners have scored 17 league goals in ten games this term, but they need to do more in the final third if they are to pip their rivals to the title.

They were keen on landing RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko in the summer, and he seriously considered joining them, but he reportedly held reservations over whether he would be a regular in the starting XI.

The 21-year-old was reluctant to make the move amid concerns he would be second-choice to Havertz, and Arsenal may need to go after a striker who will walk straight into their starting line-up.

Signing a striker next summer should be a top priority for the Gunners. A move for their long-term target – Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres – would make sense.