‘I've been impressed’ - Alan Shearer admits Arsenal star has blown him away but insists Arteta needs replacement

Arsenal are looking to finally win the Premier League in 2024-25 after finishing behind Manchester City in each of the last two seasons, and Alan Shearer believes a key signing could help them get the job done.

The former striker has showered praise on Germany international Kai Havertz following an impressive start to the season, but he believes the Gunners have to sign a number 9 if they are serious about challenging for the title.

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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has deployed Havertz as the man to lead the line since last term, and the 25-year-old has bagged 21 goals since then.

Not many forwards can boast such a return, but landing an out-and-out number 9 could come in handy for the North Londoners.

“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 above. 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 so far this term, with Havertz involved in five of those, but they need to do more in the final third if they are to pip others to the title.

Five clubs have scored more than them, and while it is still early days, Arsenal must do better going forward.

They were keen on landing RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko in the summer, and while the Slovenian gave serious consideration towards joining them, 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.

Whatever happens this term, getting a striker next summer should be a top priority for the Gunners, and a move for long-term target – Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres – could make sense.