Arsenal’s attacking options have taken a significant hit after Kai Havertz suffered a hamstring injury during the team’s mid-season training camp in Dubai. Reports suggest the German midfielder-turned-striker could be out for the rest of the season, forcing Mikel Arteta to consider alternatives. With Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus also dealing with injuries, the Gunners face a crisis in attack at a critical stage in the Premier League title race.
Havertz’s injury comes at the worst possible time for Arsenal, who are in a fierce battle at the top of the table. With a packed fixture schedule, squad depth is essential. Initially, the club planned to rely on its current squad, but with Havertz potentially missing the rest of the season, they may need to explore emergency signings from the free-agent market.
Since the January transfer window has already closed, Arsenal’s options are limited. However, the free-agent market remains an avenue to find short-term reinforcements. While signing an unattached player mid-season carries risks—mainly regarding match fitness and adaptation—the urgency of Arsenal’s situation may outweigh those concerns.
Potential Free-Agent Signings for Arsenal
1. Diego Costa – The Experienced Warrior
At 36, Costa is no longer at his peak, but his physicality, aggression, and experience in the Premier League could make him a viable short-term option. Having last played for Gremio in Brazil, where injuries hampered his impact, he still managed to contribute eight goals and five assists. His ability to hold up play and unsettle defenders could be useful in Arsenal’s current predicament.
2. Wissam Ben Yedder – The Clinical Finisher
Ben Yedder, 34, is a proven goal scorer, having netted 20 goals in 34 matches for Monaco last season. Despite his talent, his off-field issues, including a suspended two-year prison sentence for sexual assault (which he is appealing), could make signing him a controversial move. Additionally, reports suggest he is in talks with Venezia FC in Serie A.
3. Gerard Deulofeu – The Creative Forward
Formerly of Barcelona and Everton, Deulofeu has been without a club since leaving Udinese in January. However, his injury history is a major concern, with his last competitive match dating back to January 2023. Despite his technical ability and creativity, his lack of match fitness could make him a risky signing.
4. Maxi Gómez – The Target Man
At 28, Gómez is the youngest option and potentially the most viable long-term. The Uruguayan forward has been a free agent since leaving Trabzonspor, though his recent loan spell at Cadiz was underwhelming. However, with 89 career goals in 304 games, his strength and aerial ability could provide Arsenal with a different attacking dimension.
Should Arsenal Take the Risk?
Signing a free agent this late in the season is far from ideal, but Arsenal’s injury crisis may leave them with little choice. The club has space in its squad registration, meaning a new player could be added. However, Arteta must carefully assess whether any of these options can make an immediate impact.
Another option is promoting a young academy player, such as Ethan Nwaneri, who has already gained some first-team experience. However, relying on a teenager in a high-pressure title race would be a massive gamble.
Financial Considerations
While signing a free agent avoids transfer fees, wages and signing bonuses could still be a concern. Players like Costa and Ben Yedder, despite being without clubs, may demand high salaries. Arsenal must ensure any short-term signing does not disrupt their long-term financial strategy.
What’s Next for Arsenal?
With the title race heating up, Arsenal must decide quickly whether to bring in a replacement or trust their current squad. Arteta has stressed the importance of squad depth, and with the season approaching its decisive phase, the Gunners cannot afford to lack attacking options.
If Arsenal believe a free-agent signing can contribute, a short-term deal could be on the table. Otherwise, they may be forced to rely on their existing squad and hope for a swift recovery from their injured players.
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