Fabrizio Romano issues 'determined' update on Arsenal striker stance amid free agent claims

Arsenal have been left in a tricky position after suffering another huge injury blow. The Gunners have lost lead striker Kai Havertz for the season due to a hamstring injury that could require surgery.

The news comes just weeks after Arsenal lost Gabriel Jesus to a knee injury that will keep him out for the season, while Bukao Saka is also sidelined currently, although he will be back within the next month.

The striker issue is a huge concern, with no out-and-out striker currently available to Arteta, at least not in terms of first team players, with under-21s options available. Arsenal have been made to pay after deciding not to pull the trigger on a striker signing during the January window, deciding to wait until the summer.

The only real alternative to relying on youth or playing a first team player out of position is to sign a free agent, but there aren’t any free agents of top quality that Arsenal are likely to bring in. It’s perhaps for that reason that Arsenal are not currently looking to sign a new free agent striker, with Arteta determined to find another solution.

Fabrizio Romano has tweeted: “No contacts or approaches made by Arsenal with free agents so far following Havertz’s injury. Arteta, determined to find solutions internally while staff keeps waiting for Bukayo Saka and Martinelli back. The investment on new striker will be made in the summer.”

Fans are already talking about the possibility of playing Ethan Nwaneri centrally, while Leandro Trossard could potentially play in a false nine role. There are also questions over whether Mikel Merino could fill the role, given he is of broader stature, while he is also a good finisher. What we do know is that Arteta will need to be creative to find an answer to the injury crisis he has at the top end of the pitch.

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