MyBettingSites had the pleasure of sitting down with Liverpool legend John Barnes who discussed with us a whole heap of footballing topics related to Arsenal from their need for a number nine, to the future of Alexander Isak to the form of Ben White and Kai Havertz.
In this article:
- Arsenal need a new number nine
- Ivan Toney would be perfect for Arsenal
- Newcastle are the right club for Isak insists Barnes
- Barnes hails Ben White as ‘sensational’
- Chelsea was the wrong club for Havertz
Arsenal need a new number nine
According to The Athletic, the future of Gabriel Jesus at Arsenal is ‘not guaranteed’ and that the Gunners ‘would be prepared to listen’ to offers for the 27-year-old at the end of the season. Arsenal signed Jesus for an estimated £45m on a long-term deal and he initially had a ferocious impact last season, leading the line as Arteta’s number nine. But injuries and a lack of a killer instinct in front of goal alongside the arrival of summer signing Kai Havertz means Jesus is now not always a guaranteed starter. Barnes is of the belief that Arsenal will be in the hunt for a number nine this summer.
“He will be an asset wherever he goes because he was an asset at Manchester City and he’s an asset at Arsenal. He’s a very skillful and intelligent player. He’s got a great attitude, good heart, and he works hard for the team.”
“Arsenal will probably be looking around the market for a striker that’s a true presence in the penalty area area. That’s despite the fact Arsenal are fighting for the title and have scored plenty of goals.”
Ivan Toney would be perfect for Arsenal
“I think Arsenal or Chelsea would be the best move for Toney.”
“Arsenal and Chelsea are the two sides most in need of a centre forward so they’ll be the best for him.”
“Kai Havertz and Jesus have chipped in with goals but long term they will want a number nine. I think Ivan Toney would be perfect for Arsenal this summer even though Havertz has done so well to adapt to life at Arsenal.”
“Jesus can still be a valuable member of the Arsenal squad if they bring in a nine because he can be a backup striker or play out wide.”
Newcastle are the right club for Isak insists Barnes
If reports are to be believed Newcastle forward and Arsenal target Alexander Isak held talks with Newcastle’s Saudi chairman Yasir Al Rumayyan, with Newcastle seemingly desperate to ensure they hang onto their starman. Isak is said to be a top target of Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta who has struggled to nail down and out and number nine for Arsenal. Barnes has been on the record in sharing his adoration for Isak but warns Isak that whilst he may suit Arsenal stylistically, Newcastle are still the right club for the Swede.
‘Isak has had a fantastic season and has scored plenty of goals and made the number nine position his own.’
“He can also play across the front line. I’ve mentioned Ivan Toney being a good fit for Arsenal but I also think that Isak could be great even though he’s not a classic number nine.”
“Arsenal like players that can drop deep, get involved in play as well as score goals. But I believe that Newcastle are capable of fulfilling Isak’s ambitions in terms of where they’re going.”
“Newcastle is the right club for Isak in my opinion but if he does decide he wants a new challenge he has to be very careful where he goes to make sure the style suits him.”
Barnes hails Ben White as ‘sensational’
It’s also been another very impressive season for centre back turned right back Ben White. The 26-year-old was signed initially to partner Gabriel and spent his first season at the club in his typical position. White has also filled in at the base of midfield, displaying his technical ability as well as his defensive nous. Since then however, with the emergence of Saliba, White has made the right back spot his own, developing a partnership with Martin Odegaard and Buakyo Saka that has proven hard to quell.
“I’ve been extremely impressed with Ben White because I didn’t expect him to do as well at right back as he had done. He’s a flexible centre back. He’s mobile and he’s playing with the likes of Saka and Odegaard who look after the ball and allow him to be involved when Arsenal are playing.”
“He’s not a classic, Kyle Walker type right back but he gets forward and links up with his fellow teammates. He’s got a good technical security and he delivers and scores goals so he’s joined a club that suits him from a skillset and technical standpoint.”
“Ben White has definitely surprised me in terms of the way he’s adapted and i would now argue that right back suits him more than centre back because Saliba and Gabriel are stronger and quicker than him.”
“He’s been sensational for Arsenal.”
Chelsea was the wrong club for Havertz
When Arsenal completed their £65 million signing of Kai Havertz from London rivals Chelsea over the summer eyebrows were raised and Arsenal fans were concerned. They couldn’t see the vision and based upon his first few months at the club you could understand why. The forward struggled initially but as the season draws to a close Havertz has 19 goal involvements to his name. 12 goals and seven assists for Arsenal in the Premier League. A very impressive first season all things considered. Barnes interestingly claims stylistically Havertz was never a good fit for Havertz but he has now found a home at the Emirates.
“Chelsea just didn’t suit Havertz. You have to find the football that suits you and Chelsea just didn’t suit Havertz. Havertz has never been a bad player. He was a young player coming in on a big transfer deal and lots of pressure whilst Chelsea weren’t playing well.”
“He is at a club where everything is right. The harmony is right. The club, the fans and the players are all behind Mikel Arteta and it’s allowed Havertz to show his ability. I’m pleased for him because he went through a bit of a sticky period and people questioned Arsenal for bringing him in but you can see his quality and attitude.”
