Arsenal’s hopes for the rest of the season have taken a serious hit following Kai Havertz’s hamstring injury. The German midfielder, a key figure in Mikel Arteta’s system, suffered the injury during a training camp in Dubai.
Initial assessments suggest he could be out for the remainder of the campaign, putting Arsenal in a difficult position as they continue their push for the Premier League title. With the squad already struggling due to injuries, the team’s attacking options are now a major concern.
The Gunners were already dealing with fitness issues affecting Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus, which had significantly weakened their attacking depth. Arteta now faces the challenge of reinforcing his squad, but with the transfer window closed, the club’s only option is to explore the free-agent market.
Arsenal still has three open spots in their 25-man squad, but finding a suitable forward among available players won’t be easy. However, a few names stand out as potential emergency signings.
One option is Diego Costa, the former Chelsea and Atlético Madrid striker, who recently left Grêmio in Brazil. At 36, Costa’s best years are behind him, and injuries have plagued his recent seasons.
However, he still managed eight goals and five assists before his departure. While his aggressive playing style and experience in high-pressure situations could be useful, his age and fitness raise doubts about his effectiveness.
Another potential target is Wissam Ben Yedder, who has been without a club since leaving AS Monaco. The 34-year-old Frenchman scored 20 goals in Ligue 1 last season, proving he still has a sharp finishing ability. However, his ongoing legal issues complicate any potential deal, as he is currently appealing a suspended prison sentence. Arsenal would need to carefully assess the risks before making a move.
Gerard Deulofeu is another name in the mix. The former Barcelona and Everton winger recently parted ways with Udinese after a long injury layoff. While his dribbling skills and creativity could add another dimension to Arsenal’s attack, his fitness concerns make him a gamble.
A younger alternative is Maxi Gómez, a 28-year-old Uruguayan forward with a strong physical presence. Though his recent form has been poor, his past performances suggest he could regain confidence in the right system.
With time running out, Arsenal must decide whether to sign a free agent or rely on tactical adjustments. Arteta may consider reshuffling his squad, with players like Leandro Trossard filling in. However, as the season reaches its crucial stages, every decision will be vital to Arsenal’s title ambitions.
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