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Arsenal Q&A: Where to strengthen and two up front?

Mikel Arteta applaudsImage source, Getty Images
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Our chief football news reporter Simon Stone has watched Arsenal in the United States on their pre-season tour and he has been answering some of your questions.

Tommy asked: Is there any way Arsenal will see two up top with Gabriel Jesus and Havertz playing alongside each other?

Simon replied: However you look at it, the issue is Mikel Arteta can only name 10 outfield players. At least four have to be defenders and two in central positions in midfield, which leaves four. I assume Bukayo Saka will be one of those, so we are down to three.

If you play two players as orthodox forwards, one has to push onto the last defender, otherwise it all becomes too congested in the centre of the pitch. I think it is quite possible Havertz and Jesus could start in the same team. Whether it is alongside each other, I am more dubious.

Stuart asked: Is it fair to say that the only thing possibly standing between Arsenal and a league title next May is a true out-and-out goalscorer?

Simon replied: Can I just qualify this, Stuart? I suspect you mean an out-and-out goalscorer who scores goals. Because having a striker that doesn't score enough - and I am thinking 20 here - is a bit of a liability.

Whisper it very quietly, but as a team, I think Manchester City were more effective before Erling Haaland signed. Haaland, quite obviously, is an out-and-out scorer, who scores.

I rate Dominic Solanke highly and Ivan Toney always gets a mention. But for the money you would have to spend, I would have to be convinced those players would score a lot of goals.

And I'm not.

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