Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher has delivered a surprising verdict on Arsenal's attacking options, declaring that midfielder-turned-forward Mikel Merino should currently be considered the club's primary striker ahead of big-money signing Viktor Gyokeres.
Carragher's Verdict on Arsenal's Striking Dilemma
Speaking on Sky Sports, the former Liverpool defender did not hold back in his assessment of the Gunners' frontline. Carragher acknowledged that Gyokeres, who joined from Sporting CP for £64 million in the summer of 2025, has netted six goals. However, he suggested doubts about the 27-year-old Swede's technical level and impact in major matches persist.
"Gyokeres has come in, we have to be honest, the word on the street before he came to the Premier League was, 'we're not sure whether he's at the level of a really top European club', which is what Arsenal are," Carragher stated. "I think even though it's early in his Arsenal reign, you can see where that sentiment was coming from."
Merino's Impressive Run in Attack
Carragher's preference leans heavily towards Merino, who has been deputising as a forward due to injuries to Gyokeres, Kai Havertz, and Gabriel Jesus. The Spanish international has seized his opportunity, producing an impressive return of four goals and three assists in his last seven games.
"Merino, right now, I actually think is first choice," Carragher asserted. He suggested Gyokeres' start in the 2-1 win over Wolves last Saturday was merely to regain match fitness after injury. "Merino has been fantastic getting goals in that position, but almost like a false nine. Kai Havertz is almost another version of that."
The Bigger Picture for Arsenal's Title Challenge
Carragher expanded his analysis to include the returning Gabriel Jesus, whom he believes is a superior all-round player to Gyokeres, even if the latter may score more goals over a season. This creates a varied attacking roster for Mikel Arteta, blending a traditional goalscorer with players adept in the false nine role.
However, the pundit concluded that Arsenal may still lack the definitive world-class striker needed to secure the Premier League title. "I actually think they're going to need all four to go on to win the title," he said, referring to Gyokeres, Merino, Havertz, and Jesus. "I don't think any of them are the guy who is this world-class striker Arsenal have been after."
Carragher's comments, made on December 17, 2025, throw a fascinating spotlight on Arteta's selection headache as Arsenal continue their pursuit of domestic glory.
