Arsenal is currently grappling with a major injury crisis afflicting the attacking unit, yet as matters stand, the club will not sign a free-agent striker. Manager Mikel Arteta is determined to find internal solutions despite the long-term absence of Kai Havertz and the injuries afflicting Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli.
The Attackers’ Injury Situation at Arsenal Worsens
Arsenal’s midfielder, Kai Havertz, currently their highest scorer this season with 15 goals, endured a torn hamstring before heading off to Dubai for training. The injury to the German international will likely sideline him for the rest of the season, further plugging up Arsenal’s attacking resources. He has joined fellow players Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, and Bukayo Saka on the sidelines due to fitness concerns.
Against this background, Arsenal has selected to make no such free-agent striker signings. Arteta is instead looking to players such as Leandro Trossard, Raheem Sterling, and 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri to fill in with attacking contributions.
Strategy in Transfers and Targets at Arsenal
Arsenal previously worked for deals in the January transfer window aimed at Aston Villa player Ollie Watkins and Bayern Munich’s Mathys Tel but failed to strike any deal. The decision to refrain from any additions to the squad during the current injury crisis has drawn harsh criticism from various quarters.
Arteta also voiced his displeasure about the transfer dealings at Arsenal, insisting he would make the most of the current set of players; instead, plans to acquire a new striker would be feasible in the summer transfer window instead of making an emergency signing.