'They made a mistake' - Mikel Arteta sent blunt £65m Arsenal transfer message

Arsenal ought to have used the money spent on Kai Havertz to solve their striker conundrum this summer. That's according to former Chelsea and Arsenal defender William Gallas, as the Gunners continue to pursue their options for a new frontman during the January transfer window.

In a bid to close the gap on Manchester City at the Premier League summit, Arsenal spent big this summer to sign Jurrien Timber, Declan Rice and Havertz as three marquee arrivals. However, with Timber injured and England's Rice impressing so far, things have not gone quite so smoothly for Havertz.

The 24-year-old Germany forward, who cost the Gunners around £65million from Chelsea, has scored five goals while providing only one assist in 29 games for the club. Gallas highlights his move as a mistake for Arsenal as they try to do further transfer business in attacking quarters this month.

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Gallas, 46, told Gambling Zone: «Arsenal need a striker, but they needed one starting from the beginning of the season and a striker with a different profile. Gabriel Jesus is very strong and he can run and dribble in tight spaces and stretch defences and provide opportunities for wingers.

»Sometimes you need a striker who is stronger and taller and can change the way the team plays — playing direct with long balls. That's the type of player Arsenal has to look for."

The former France international continued: «We are in January and maybe they're realising they need another striker. That's why they should have signed a striker at the start of the season.

»They had the opportunity to buy a striker, but they bought Kai Havertz instead. I still