Five simple words, but they were enough to reveal Arsenal’s new transfer strategy after that devastating Kai Havertz news.
Earlier this week Havertz was likely ruled out for the rest of the 2024-25 season after tearing a hamstring during that winter training camp in Dubai.
It further hampered a Premier League title bid which risks going totally off the rails thanks to injuries to forwards. As well as Havertz, Gabriel Jesus (ACL), Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka (both hamstring) are all expected to be out for some time yet.
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All in all it’s a disaster for the Gunners after they failed to secure a new striker in the recent January transfer window, despite their interest in Aston Villa’s England hitman Ollie Watkins.
Gunners change transfer plans
What is known is that until that Havertz hammer blow, Arsenal were keen not to enter the market for a free agent striker – preferring to concentrate on the summer and a big move for the likes of RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko or Alexander Isak of Newcastle Utd.
Manager Mikel Arteta faced the media on Friday ahead of Saturday’s Premier League showdown vs Leicester City, and he gave a clear indication that strategy is now in tatters. Things have changed, in a big way.
When asked about the free agent market, he responded: “We will explore every possibility.”
Like we said, just five short and simple words. But enough to suggest that everything is now in place – and that includes a free agent striker as a short-term fix or improvement. Hopefully though not some of the wild options referenced, Diego Costa for example.
The Gunners trail Liverpool by seven points at the top of the table heading into that showdown with Leicester (1230 UK, 1330 CET, 0730 Eastern, 0430 Pacific).
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