With Kai Havertz ruled out for the season due to a torn hamstring, Arsenal are now eyeing the free agent market—among which ex-Chelsea striker Diego Costa and other uninspiring options have been highlighted—as potential solutions to bolster their striking department.
Arsenal are facing a significant setback after midfielder and forward Kai Havertz suffered a torn hamstring during the club’s winter training break in Dubai, effectively ruling him out for the remainder of the season. This injury leaves the Gunners with just three fit forwards—Ethan Nwaneri, Leandro Trossard, and Raheem Sterling—forcing manager Mikel Arteta to confront a major gap in his attacking options. Despite a late £60million bid for Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins in January, Arsenal opted against signing a striker, leaving them reliant on existing personnel and the possibility of tapping into the free agent market.
The free agent list now features some well-known names, including ex-Chelsea striker Diego Costa, who, along with two other less impressive options, has been labelled as uninspiring by critics. Arsenal have yet to fill their full 25-man Premier League squad allocation, meaning they are eligible to sign unattached players even outside the transfer window. This strategic gap comes at a time when Arsenal need to maintain competitiveness in the league, with only a few robust attacking alternatives available, and raises serious questions about their ability to qualify for the Champions League next season.
