Rio Ferdinand has criticized Arsenal for spending £42 million on Riccardo Calafiori, a player who has only started eight Premier League games. The former Manchester United defender questioned why Arsenal would invest such a large amount in a player who is not a guaranteed starter, especially when the team desperately needed a striker. Arsenal is currently six points behind Liverpool, who also have a game in hand, making the title race even more difficult for Mikel Arteta’s side. Ferdinand expressed his concerns on his YouTube channel, stating that a player signed for such a fee should be a regular in the starting lineup. He pointed out that Arsenal’s biggest issue has been their lack of a clinical striker, yet they chose to reinforce their defense instead.
Arsenal’s decision to prioritize defensive depth over attacking reinforcements has sparked debate among fans and pundits. The club currently relies on Kai Havertz as their main center-forward due to Gabriel Jesus’ injury. While Havertz has performed well in patches, many believe he is not the long-term solution. Ferdinand’s argument is that if Arsenal had spent that money on a proven goal scorer, they would be in a much stronger position in the title race. Arsenal has played some excellent football this season but has struggled to convert chances in key matches. The failure to secure a top-class striker could ultimately cost them in the long run, especially with Liverpool looking strong at the top of the table.
Mikel Arteta, however, defended Calafiori’s contribution, praising the defender for his impact in important moments. The Arsenal manager highlighted his goal against Wolves, which helped the team secure a vital three points. Arteta compared Calafiori’s strike to his previous goal against Manchester City, emphasizing his ability to step up when needed. Despite only starting eight league games, the Italian defender has shown glimpses of his quality, and Arteta believes he will play a bigger role as the season progresses.
Former Liverpool striker Emile Heskey also weighed in on Arsenal’s current situation, suggesting that their attacking players might not be enough to sustain a serious title challenge. He pointed out that the best teams in history have had players who can drag them through tough periods, and he is unsure if Arsenal possesses that kind of character in the squad. Heskey believes Arsenal should have signed a new striker in January, as fresh competition often lifts the squad and improves overall performances. He acknowledged that Alexander Isak has been linked with a move, but doubts whether a deal will be completed mid-season.
Arsenal’s summer transfer strategy was heavily focused on strengthening the defense, with Riccardo Calafiori seen as a long-term investment. While some fans appreciate the move for squad depth, others feel the club missed a crucial opportunity to bring in an elite striker. The absence of a clinical finisher has been evident in games where Arsenal dominated possession but failed to secure wins. The lack of cutting-edge finishing has been a major issue, especially in high-pressure matches where title contenders need to be ruthless.
Looking at past Premier League winners, most championship-winning teams have had prolific strikers leading the line. Manchester City had Erling Haaland, Liverpool had Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mané in their prime, while Manchester United, under Sir Alex Ferguson, always had elite goal scorers. Arsenal, in contrast, has struggled to find a player who can consistently score 20+ league goals in a season. Gabriel Jesus is talented but injury-prone, Kai Havertz is not a natural striker, and Eddie Nketiah, while hardworking, does not possess the quality to lead a title-winning attack.
With the January transfer window now closed, Arsenal’s title hopes rest on their current squad. The team has performed well but will need to be more clinical in front of goal if they are to challenge Liverpool and Manchester City for the Premier League title. Ferdinand’s criticism may seem harsh, but it reflects the broader concern among fans and analysts about Arsenal’s squad-building strategy. While Riccardo Calafiori has potential, the team’s immediate need for a top-class striker remains a significant issue. Whether Arsenal can overcome this challenge and stay in the title race remains to be seen.
