Arsenal's £64m summer signing Viktor Gyökeres will not displace a fully fit Kai Havertz in Mikel Arteta’s starting lineup for major fixtures, according to television pundit Jamie Carragher. The 26-year-old Swedish international striker, who joined from Sporting CP, is currently leading the line while Havertz recovers from knee surgery. However, Carragher believes the German international remains Arteta's preferred option for the club's most significant Premier League and Champions League matches.
Tactical styles divide Gyökeres and Havertz
Speaking to CaughtOffside, Carragher outlined his belief that "Gyokeres is never taking Havertz’s place" once the former Chelsea player returns to fitness. The former Liverpool defender suggested that the Swedish forward acts as a "useful alternative" rather than an out-and-out replacement. This view is shared by former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit, who noted to The Mirror that Gyökeres prefers to run into space behind defenders, a trait that can clash with Arsenal's possession-heavy style. Havertz, by contrast, excels in the fluid, pressing system favoured by Arteta, having registered 24 goals and 13 assists in 72 Premier League appearances since joining the club.
The battle for Arsenal's starting role
The immediate opening for Gyökeres in the starting XI has only emerged due to Havertz’s recent medical setback. Arteta confirmed in August 2026 that the German international would miss "many, many weeks" following knee surgery. Carragher expressed his suspicion that a healthy Havertz would have started ahead of the Swede in recent big matches, stating it is "hard to imagine" him being relegated to a deputy role. Given that Gyökeres arrived with a formidable record of 54 goals for Sporting last season, the tactical debate highlights Arteta's preference for collective pressing and build-up play over a traditional focal point in his primary system.
