Mikel Arteta Drops Major Arsenal Transfer Hint Amid Injury Crisis | OneFootball

Mikel Arteta Hints at Free Agent Striker Amid Arsenal Injury Woes

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has suggested the club could look to the free-agent market to address their growing injury crisis in attack. With Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz sidelined by hamstring injuries, and both Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus also out, the Gunners find themselves dangerously short on firepower.

Exploring Free-Agent Options

Arsenal’s attacking options are severely depleted, but Arteta hasn’t ruled out the possibility of bringing in an unattached striker to ease the burden. When asked about the club’s strategy, Arteta was clear about their willingness to adapt.

“We’ll explore every possible situation and make a decision from there,” said the Arsenal manager, hinting that a short-term signing could be on the cards.

Photo: IMAGO

The January transfer window is closed, but Premier League rules permit clubs to sign free agents at any point during the season. With key attacking personnel missing, Arsenal may need to move swiftly if they are to maintain their challenge at the top end of the table.

Havertz Injury a Major Setback

Kai Havertz’s injury adds to Arsenal’s frustrations and came about in an unusual manner during a training camp in Dubai.

“He was going to stop a shot after a set-piece, then he stretched the leg and felt his hamstring,” Arteta explained.

The German international is expected to miss the remainder of the season, depriving Arsenal of a versatile attacking option who had started to find form in recent weeks.

Arteta acknowledged the impact, stating: “Certainly it is a big blow because of the injuries that we have but fortunately, we’ve been through a lot this season.”

Photo: IMAGO

Injury Crisis Tests Arsenal’s Depth

The Gunners have endured an injury-hit campaign, with multiple key players facing prolonged spells on the sidelines. Arteta outlined the extent of these setbacks:

“We have played without Gabriel, without [William] Saliba, Ben White all season, [Takehiro] Tomiyasu all season, [Riccardo] Calafiori for two months, [Mikel] Merino for two months, Martin Odegaard for two months, Bukayo Saka for three months, Gabriel Jesus… all of them.”

Photo: IMAGO

Despite the adversity, Arsenal remain in contention near the top of the Premier League. Arteta’s side can close the gap on leaders Liverpool to four points with a victory against Leicester on Saturday.

Arteta Demands Resilience from Squad

While acknowledging the difficulties, Arteta called on his squad to rise to the challenge. The Arsenal boss conveyed his belief that the team has the mental strength to overcome these obstacles.

“A big pain in the tummy, that’s the first feeling,” Arteta said, reflecting on the emotional toll of the injuries. “First of all when you see a player in pain it’s a really bad feeling. Then you think ‘not again’, then you realise you have no time to do that. Support the player, start to look forward and at the alternative and how the team is going to be able to continue to perform.”

As Arsenal prepares for a crucial run of fixtures, fans will be eager to see whether Arteta follows through on his hint and recruits a free-agent striker. With their Premier League ambitions on the line, the next few weeks could prove decisive.