A depleted squad, a transfer loophole – how will Arsenal respond? | OneFootball

Arsenal are managing an injury crisis that has left Mikel Arteta short of attacking options.

Despite speculation, a move for a free agent remains unlikely, with the club focused on navigating the situation internally rather than seeking an immediate external solution.

Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

Arsenal are not expected to enter the free agent market despite an ongoing injury crisis that has left Mikel Arteta with limited attacking options.

The club went into their Premier League fixture against Leicester City with a front three of Ethan Nwaneri, Leandro Trossard, and Raheem Sterling, but internal discussions suggest an emergency signing remains improbable, especially after what Mikel Merino delivered.

With Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka, and Gabriel Martinelli all sidelined, Arsenal’s attacking depth has been decimated. The shortage has even led to centre-back William Saliba jokingly offering his services as a striker, the position he began his footballing journey playing.

Asked about the possibility of signing a free agent to ease the selection dilemma, Arteta did not completely rule out the idea but stopped short of suggesting it was a realistic option. “We will explore every possible situation,” he said.

Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

Club sources indicate that a move for an out-of-contract player is considered highly unlikely, particularly given Arsenal’s stance in the January transfer window, where they opted against short-term fixes. The preference remains to rely on existing squad depth rather than make an opportunistic signing.

Havertz’s absence has compounded Arsenal’s problems, with Arteta revealing that the German international suffered a torn hamstring during a training camp in Dubai while attempting to block a shot in a set-piece drill. Despite the growing list of absentees, the manager remained defiant about the challenge ahead.

“Certainly it is a big blow because of the injuries that we have, but, fortunately, we’ve been through a lot this season. So, that’s the challenge ahead. I love it and look forward,” Arteta said ahead of the trip to Leicester.