Alan Shearer changes Arsenal prediction ahead of new Premier League season as Gunners prepare to host Wolves
Former Premier League striker Alan Shearer seemingly backtracked on his previous prediction that Arsenal would win the Premier League title this year. If the Gunners were to do so, they could break Manchester City's four-year run of winning the competition.
However, the ex-Newcastle United star now claims that the north Londoners will fall short of this milestone because they lack a world-class striker. It is expected that Kai Havertz will lead the line for Mikel Arteta's side heading into the new league campaign.
Second-choice forward Gabriel Jesus failed to impress in the 2023-24 season, bagging just four goals in 27 English top-flight fixtures.
Speaking on the Rest is Football podcast, Shearer said about the Gunners' chances (via Metro):
"I'm going to say that this is the one where if they sign a top-class striker in between now and the end of the window- because I think they still need a striker. And if they get that striker in, I think they'll win the league."
Although Havertz performed well in this role towards the back of the previous season, he isn't a traditional number nine. From 37 appearances in the Premier League in the previous year, the Germany international scored 13 goals and bagged seven assists.
Arsenal have now finished second to Manchester City two years in a row, losing out on the title by two points last season. The year before, the Gunners led the race for 248 days and finished five points adrift of the Cityzens.
Arsenal get the new league campaign underway with a game at the Emirates against Wolves on Saturday (August 17).
Arsenal willing to cough up £60 million to sign Viktor Gyokeres this summer - Reports
Arsenal have been linked with numerous strikers this summer transfer window, including Sporting's Viktor Gyokeres, Ivan Toney, and Alexander Isak, among others. However, it seems are though the Gunners are still trying to get hold of the 26-year-old Sweden international in the ongoing transfer window.
According to journalist Steve Kay, the north London side will be willing to spend up to £60 million to secure the services of the attacker (via CaughtOffSide). However, there are suggestions that the only way to complete this deal is if the Gunners meet the player's £86 million release clause.
Gyokeres still has four years left on his deal with his Portuguese employers but may be tempted by the prospect of playing for a Premier League club. Last season, he made 50 appearances across all competitions, bagging 43 goals.