William Gallas does not think that Eddie Nketiah is good enough to start for Arsenal if they are going to win the title.
Nketiah has stepped in when Gabriel Jesus has been out of action with injury, and the 24-year-old has responded with five goals this season.
Arsenal continue to be linked with a move for Brentford striker Ivan Toney in January as he prepares for a return after betting ban.
After pushing Manchester City hard for much of last season in the Premier League title race, they sit third this season, just a point off leaders City, and tied with second-placed Liverpool.
Speaking to Genting Casino, Gallas expressed his scepticism over Nketiah’s ability to lead the line in top-level football.
He said: “The conversation with Eddie Nketiah is always the same.
“We don’t know if he has the ability to be a top-level striker for a team that wants to compete for the title.
“He looks like he is a better at having an impact coming off the bench rather than starting games, and we’ve seen him do that and score goals.
“When he starts games, especially against the best teams, there are always doubts about his ability to get you a goal.”