Arsenal icon, Martin Keown has advised the club’s manager, Mikel Arteta, to consider replacing two players, namely Kai Havertz and Victor Gyokeres, following the painful defeat to PSG in the Champions League final.
The Gunners had aspirations of securing their inaugural Champions League trophy in Budapest but were ultimately defeated in a penalty shootout by the French champions, PSG.
Arteta’s team initially took the lead with a goal from Kai Havertz, only to be equalized by a penalty from Ousmane Dembele in the second half.
The match concluded 1-1 after 120 minutes, necessitating penalties to determine the winner, with PSG handling the pressure more effectively and clinching the shootout 4-3 to retain their Champions League title.
Eberechi Eze was the first of two Arsenal players to miss a penalty, followed by Gabriel, who sent his shot over the bar.
Arsenal will strive to move past the distressing Champions League final loss on Sunday by hosting a trophy parade to celebrate their first Premier League title since 2004, alongside their supporters in north London.
Arteta mentioned that he would take some time off with his family before shifting his focus to the upcoming season and the summer transfer window.
The club is anticipated to support Arteta with significant financial backing, and Keown believes that his former team should pursue a new striker.
Havertz netted his second goal in a Champions League final against PSG but has faced fitness challenges throughout the season, having started only seven league matches.
£64 million summer acquisition Viktor Gyokeres has had a mixed debut season at the Emirates Stadium and was left out of the squad for Arsenal’s most significant match of the season.
When asked about the areas Arsenal should strengthen this summer, Keown remarked on TNT Sports, “They may reconsider their options at striker.
“Kai Havertz completed 90 minutes tonight, but this marks only his second full match in 18 months.
“For Viktor Gyokeres, it was a challenging evening, so that could be a position Arsenal might evaluate. Perhaps they should also consider the left-wing. Mikel Arteta will need to assess these options closely.”
