Lukas Podolski says Mikel Arteta is actually playing one Arsenal player in the wrong position

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal have a number of versatile players in their squad.

Mikel Arteta has built a terrific team over the last few years. He has multiple top-class players, and many of them can play in more than one position.

The Arsenal manager maximises the versatility of his squad whenever he can, and that makes the Gunners such an unpredictable side to face.

However, not everyone agrees with Arteta’s decisions all the time.

Lukas Podolski tells Mikel Arteta to change Kai Havertz’s position at Arsenal

Arsenal signed Kai Havertz from Chelsea in the summer of 2023.

The Germany international was really a surprise addition to the Gunners’ squad. Nobody expected them to be interested in him, but Arteta was adamant that he wanted to sign him.

Havertz was initially brought in to play as a left-sided number eight at Arsenal. But, after struggling to properly replace Granit Xhaka there, Arteta decided to move Havertz up top.

That proved to be a masterstroke, and Havertz has been brilliant as a false nine. But, his compatriot Lukas Podolski is not convinced.

The former Arsenal number nine believes Havertz’s best position is actually behind a striker. He feels Arteta should use the next transfer window to bring in a prolific centre-forward as that player is what they need to go all the way in the title race.

Podolski told talkSPORT: “I don’t know if when he was younger his position was a proper number nine, but for me, he’s not a classic number nine striker.

“He does well, but I think when you put Kai behind a good striker he has more potential, but let’s see, it’s only my view from outside.”

READ MORE: Lukas Podolski shares brilliant two-word response when asked if Tottenham will finish above Arsenal

Which striker should Arsenal sign in 2025?

Arsenal have been linked with several strikers over the last year, and there are many good options.

Viktor Gyokeres is a goal machine and he is on top of many fans’ wish lists, while Benjamin Sesko would also be a great option for the Gunners.

However, if we were in Arteta’s shoes, we would go all out for Alexander Isak of Newcastle United.

The Swede isn’t just an incredible striker himself, but he would bring the best out of everyone else in Arsenal’s attack, including Havertz.

The two attackers interchanging positions in the final third will cause defences all sorts of problems, and their threat in the air will make the Gunners even more dangerous in set-pieces.

Isak will cost a fortune, but we think he will be worth the money for Arsenal.