Carragher Warns Arsenal Face a Major Problem in Their Push for Improvement
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has questioned Arsenal’s ability to take the next step despite their strong squad, arguing that the Gunners face a clear obstacle in their pursuit of further improvement.
Arsenal were among the Premier League’s more active clubs during the summer transfer window, bringing in five new players. Illan Meslier, Christos Tzolis, Piero Hincapie, Ezri Konsa and Bruno Guimaraes all arrived as Mikel Arteta looked to strengthen his squad.
However, Carragher believes Arsenal’s biggest weakness remains their attack. Tzolis, who joined from Club Brugge for a reported €40 million, was the only one of the club’s major summer additions to primarily operate in the attacking third. At the same time, Arsenal allowed several forwards to leave.
Leandro Trossard moved to Besiktas, Gabriel Jesus joined Barcelona, while Ethan Nwaneri left on loan for Borussia Dortmund. Gabriel Martinelli could also depart after attracting interest from Al-Hilal. Should Martinelli leave the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal would be left with six senior attacking options: Eberechi Eze, Tzolis, Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyokeres and Kai Havertz.
The Gunners had previously been linked with several elite forwards, including Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior and Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez. Neither deal, however, materialised before the Premier League transfer window closed. That outcome has left Carragher questioning how Arsenal can significantly improve a squad that is already operating at a very high level.
“This is very difficult because Arsenal are now a very good team with a very strong squad,” Carragher said, as reported by ESPN.
The former Liverpool defender believes Arsenal have reached a point where simply adding another competent player is unlikely to make a meaningful difference. In his view, the club need to recruit players capable of elevating the team to another level.
“They have tried to sign those players, but they still haven’t managed to complete those deals,” he added.
Carragher argued that Arsenal already possess several attackers who can perform at a high standard. However, he believes the club need a genuine difference-maker rather than another player who offers broadly the same level of quality as those already at Arteta’s disposal.
“There is no point signing a player who is already at the level they have. They have five or six attacking players who, in my opinion, are players you could rate seven or eight out of 10.
“They want someone who is a nine or even a 10 out of 10. But they haven’t been able to complete that deal,” Carragher concluded.
The comments underline the challenge facing Arsenal after another ambitious transfer window. Arteta already has a squad capable of competing for major honours, but Carragher believes the margin for improvement can now only be found at the very top end of the market.
For Arsenal, the next step may therefore be less about adding depth and more about finding the kind of elite attacking talent capable of changing matches on their own. Without that level of addition, Carragher fears the Gunners could struggle to make the significant leap they are seeking.
