The North London Striker Conundrum
The striker debate at Arsenal continues to baffle fans, as Mikel Arteta steadfastly champions Kai Havertz in the false nine role, even with Viktor Gyokeres boasting a 20-goal Premier League campaign to his name.
Key Points from the Striker Saga
- Arsenal clinched the Premier League title in 2025-26, with Gyokeres bagging 20 goals.
- Kai Havertz is currently preferred as the false nine due to his tactical fit within Arteta's system.
- Former Gunner Paul Dickov explains Havertz's crucial role in creating space for other attackers.
- A recent injury to Havertz could hand Gyokeres a golden opportunity to reclaim his starting spot.
The North London Striker Conundrum
Arsenal made a significant statement in 2025, splashing an estimated £64 million on Swedish powerhouse Viktor Gyokeres. His arrival was meant to solve the long-standing void for a prolific number nine, a piece many believed was holding the Gunners back from major silverware.
Indeed, Gyokeres delivered, netting 20 goals as Arsenal ended a 22-year wait for the Premier League title in the 2025-26 season, also reaching the Champions League final. Yet, fast forward to the start of the next campaign, and the narrative has taken an unexpected turn.
Arteta's Masterstroke: The False Nine Philosophy
Despite his scoring prowess, Gyokeres has found himself relegated to an impact substitute role. The man leading the line? Germany international Kai Havertz. This decision, according to ex-Gunner Paul Dickov, stems from Mikel Arteta's intricate tactical vision.
“When Havertz has played that role, I think he suits Arsenal in how they play,” Dickov explained. Arteta's system rarely relies on direct, long balls. Instead, it thrives on intelligent movement and possession-based build-up, where Havertz's unique attributes shine.
Havertz is strong, adept at holding up the ball, and possesses clever movement that creates vital space for dynamic wingers like Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze. This allows Arsenal's creative players to flourish, a crucial aspect of their Premier League winning formula.
Gyokeres' Chance to Seize the Spotlight
Football can change in an instant, and a recent development could swing the pendulum back in Gyokeres' favor. Reports suggest Kai Havertz has picked up an injury on international duty, potentially sidelining him.
Meanwhile, Gyokeres has been in sensational form for Sweden, bagging four goals in four games. “His confidence will be sky high,” Dickov noted. “When you're confident as a striker, and you feel you've got a point to prove, you can be quite dangerous.” This sudden shift presents a massive opportunity for the Swede to re-establish himself as Arteta's primary attacking threat.
The Quest for a Prolific Finisher: Transfer Market Outlook
Arsenal's history with strikers in recent years has been a revolving door, featuring talents like Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Gabriel Jesus. The question remains: will Arteta re-enter the transfer market for another number nine, potentially eyeing names like Julian Alvarez?
Dickov remains cautious, emphasizing that Arteta is not one to spend for the sake of it. “They won the league last year without it. They came so close to winning the league the year before. Champions League final last year,” he reminded, highlighting Arsenal's success without a traditional, dominant center-forward.
This season, Arsenal have shown improved efficiency in open play, relying less on set-pieces. Havertz has already notched three goals, with captain Martin Odegaard orchestrating much of the attacking brilliance. While Gyokeres is yet to open his account this term, Arteta's calculated approach suggests that any future recruitment for a number nine will be strategic, not simply a knee-jerk reaction to fan demand. The current setup, with or without a traditional striker, is clearly working for the reigning Premier League champions.
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