Arsenal’s injury crisis has gone from bad to worse with the news that Kai Havertz—their last remaining senior striker—has suffered a season-ending hamstring injury. With Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka, and Gabriel Martinelli also sidelined, Mikel Arteta now faces a nightmare scenario as Arsenal continue their fight for Premier League and Champions League glory.
The Gunners opted not to reinforce their attack during the January transfer window, leaving them dangerously thin in the forward line. Now, Arteta has to find creative solutions to keep Arsenal’s season alive.
Here are three ways Arsenal could cope without a proper number nine.
1. Leandro Trossard as a Makeshift Striker
With only three senior attacking options remaining—Raheem Sterling (on loan), 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri, and Leandro Trossard—the Belgian forward is the most likely candidate to lead the line.
Trossard has experience playing as a false nine, a role that allows him to drop deep, link play, and create space for wingers to exploit. His movement and agility could disrupt opposition defenses, though his goal-scoring record this season is concerning.
- Trossard this season: 5 goals
- Trossard last season: 17 goals (all competitions)
Unless he rediscovers his scoring touch, Arsenal could struggle for firepower in the coming months.
2. Promote Academy Talent
In times of crisis, clubs often turn to their academy prospects. Arsenal’s youth setup has produced top talents in the past, and Arteta might gamble on giving young players a chance.
Here are some academy forwards who could get a call-up:
- Nathan Butler-Oyedeji (22 years old) – Made his Arsenal debut vs. Dinamo Zagreb and has been on the bench 12 times this season. He’s been prolific at the academy level but struggled on loan at Accrington Stanley & Cheltenham Town.
- Khayon Edwards (20 years old) – Another promising striker who played seven times for Leyton Orient last season.
- Ismael Kabia (Winger, 18 years old) – Made his Arsenal debut this season and is highly rated.
- Charles Sagoe Jr. (Winger, 19 years old) – Spent the first half of the season on loan at Shrewsbury Town and could return to the squad.
While none of these players are Premier League-ready, desperate times might force Arteta’s hand.
3. Enter the Free Agent Market
With the January transfer window closed, Arsenal’s only external option is signing a free agent. However, the available choices aren’t exactly inspiring.
Some veteran strikers still on the market:
- Diego Costa (35 years old) – The former Chelsea and Atletico Madrid striker is a shadow of his former self, but he knows the Premier League.
- Lucas Perez (35 years old) – Once an Arsenal player, he’s available but well past his best.
- Carlos Vela (34 years old) – Another former Gunner, currently without a club after leaving LAFC.
Signing an aging forward on a short-term contract seems unlikely, but if Arsenal’s crisis deepens, Arteta might have no choice.
What’s Next for Arsenal?
With no senior strikers fit, Arsenal must improvise in attack.
- Short-term: Trossard will likely play as a false nine.
- Mid-term: Academy players could get opportunities.
- Emergency: A free agent signing could be considered.
With Arsenal still in the title race, Arteta needs to find a way to keep scoring goals—or risk seeing their season fall apart at the worst possible time.
