Arsenal were dealt a huge blow after it was confirmed that Kai Havertz had suffered an injury.
This has been a bizarre season for the Gunners. Mikel Arteta is yet to have a fully fit squad available at his disposal – it hasn’t happened once so far and it won’t in the next few months either.
After Gabriel Jesus, Havertz is now ruled out for the remainder of this season, and that leaves Arsenal very short of options in attack.
Arteta will have to find internal solutions to his problems up top, but Arsenal could still sign a free agent now = even though the window is closed.
The Gunners boss has now had his say on that possibility.
Mikel Arteta confirms Arsenal will explore free-agent market
Arsenal have just three fit attackers available at the moment.
Leandro Trossard will likely play down the middle now, with Raheem Sterling and Ethan Nwaneri playing either side of them.
Apart from that, Arsenal have no senior natural attackers, and that will remain the case until Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli return at some point in March.
Arsenal fans have been discussing the possibility of bringing in a free agent to provide some cover in those attacking positions.
Arteta was asked about that in his press conference, and the Arsenal manager confirmed that he will have a look at all the options.
“We’ll explore every possible situation and make a decision from there,” he said, as relayed on HaytersTV.
Arteta previously dismissed the idea of bringing in a body just for the sake of it. He was asked if that stance remains or if he would consider someone with a ‘certain ability’ to fill the void.
He replied: “Certain ability? – an ability that can play at our level. That’s a body that then we’ll recognise as somebody that can support and impact the team.”
Free agents Arsenal could sign to solve attacking issues
The free agent market is never filled with great options, especially at this stage of the year.
However, there are still a few free agents Arsenal can consider signing – just to provide cover for their injured players until they are back.
Former Chelsea star Diego Costa could be an option, while Rangers and Barcelona old-boys Ryan Kent and Rafinha respectively are also available.
Ex-Arsenal forward Carlos Vela is a free agent too and could be an option, while former Real Madrid striker Mariano Diaz is without a club now as well.
None of the options are really appealing, so we just can’t see Arteta taking a punt on any of them in the coming weeks.
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