Arsenal’s lack of reinforcements in the January transfer window is proving to be a costly mistake, especially after the recent injury setback to Kai Havertz. The German forward suffered a season-ending hamstring tear while training in Dubai, further worsening Mikel Arteta’s squad depth issues. Already dealing with injuries to Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, and Bukayo Saka, the Gunners now find themselves in desperate need of attacking options as they push through the remainder of the 2024/25 season.
With Havertz and Jesus ruled out for the rest of the campaign, Arsenal now face an attacking crisis. The team has no natural striker available, leaving Leandro Trossard, Raheem Sterling, and Ethan Nwaneri as the only remaining options in the forward line. As the winter transfer window has closed, Arsenal must either rely on their youth academy or turn to the free-agent market to fill the void left by injuries. The latter seems like a more viable option, given their urgent need for attacking reinforcements.
Among the available free agents, Wissam Ben Yedder stands out as a potential signing, though a controversial one. The French forward had an impressive run with AS Monaco, scoring 118 goals in 201 appearances. However, his recent conviction for sexual assault, resulting in a two-year suspended prison sentence, complicates any potential deal. Despite his undeniable talent, signing him would be a morally and reputationally challenging decision for Arsenal.
Maxi Gómez is another striker Arsenal could consider. Once a highly-rated forward, the Uruguayan made a strong impact at Celta Vigo before his career took a downward turn at Valencia. After a brief stint in Turkey and an unsuccessful loan spell at Cadiz, where he failed to score in 33 appearances, Gómez is now without a club. Despite his recent struggles, his physical presence could provide Arsenal with a much-needed target man in attack.
Mariano Díaz, a former Real Madrid striker, also finds himself available on the market. Having started his career with Real Madrid Castilla, he enjoyed a prolific loan spell at Lyon, netting 21 goals in a single season. However, upon returning to Madrid, he failed to establish himself and later moved to Sevilla, where he struggled again. At 31, his career trajectory has been disappointing, but his past experiences at top clubs might make him a decent short-term option.
Diego Costa is another name Arsenal could consider, though his best years are long behind him. The former Chelsea star has played in Brazil with Botafogo and Gremio, but his most recent spell in England with Wolves was underwhelming. Scoring just once in 25 appearances, the 36-year-old no longer possesses the physical dominance that once made him a feared striker. Nevertheless, his experience in English football could make him a useful backup option.
Lucas Pérez, a familiar face to Arsenal fans, could be an alternative solution. The 36-year-old forward previously had a brief spell with the club, scoring seven goals in 21 appearances. Though he has spent most of his career in Spain, he recently left Deportivo La Coruña due to personal reasons. While he remains a capable goal scorer, his age and declining physicality may not make him the ideal signing for Arsenal’s current needs.
Another former Arsenal player, Carlos Vela, is also available. Now 35, Vela initially struggled to make an impact in North London but later flourished at Real Sociedad before moving to MLS, where he thrived with LAFC. He netted 93 goals in 188 appearances for the American club, proving his attacking quality. However, at this stage of his career, a return to Arsenal seems unlikely, as the club would likely prefer a more traditional striker to solve their immediate problems.
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