Arteta’s Striker Gamble Backfires: Havertz is Out for the Season

Mikel Arteta’s choice not to buy a striker in January has turned into a real crisis after Kai Havertz got injured.

February 12, 2025
6:14 pm

Mikel Arteta’s decision to skip signing a striker in the January transfer window is already haunting Arsenal. Just days after defending the choice, the Gunners are in a pickle, with their title hopes and Champions League dreams hanging by a thread.

Injuries are piling up. Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka were already dealing with fitness issues, yet Arsenal didn’t boost their attack. Then came the latest blow—Kai Havertz, the last remaining center-forward option, tore his hamstring during the team’s warm-weather training camp in Dubai. The German international is now expected to miss the rest of the season, leaving Arteta with a big hole in his attack.

A Risky Gamble Goes Wrong

When asked about Arsenal’s lack of attacking reinforcements after the transfer deadline, Arteta brushed off concerns, insisting it wasn’t a gamble. He praised Havertz’s durability, calling him a “genetic powerhouse,” and backed his squad to tackle the challenges ahead. Eight days later, that confidence has crumbled.

With Havertz out, Arsenal are left with three options: Leandro Trossard, teenage prospect Ethan Nwaneri, and summer signing Raheem Sterling—who hasn’t impressed during his loan spell. Gabriel Martinelli is also out for at least a month, further thinning the attack.

The Blame Game Starts

While Arteta takes much of the heat, interim sporting director Jason Ayto is also feeling the pressure. The club’s failed search for attacking reinforcements was a rough first test for Ayto, who stepped in after Edu’s surprise resignation in November. Arsenal had been linked with Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney, but no deals happened, leaving them exposed to an injury crisis they can’t ignore.

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Finding Solutions in a Crisis

Arteta is known for his tactical flexibility, but this might be his toughest challenge yet. Trossard and Sterling can play as false nines, but neither is a natural striker. Nwaneri, at just 17, has been tipped for a future No. 9 role, but throwing him into the deep end now would be a huge gamble.

Another option could be shifting players into new roles. Left-back Kieran Tierney has occasionally played as a left-winger and might help out in attack. There’s also talk of midfielder Mikel Merino being used as an emergency striker due to his physical presence, though that carries significant risk.

The Arsenal academy could also provide some reinforcements, with Nathan Butler-Oyedeji and Ismeal Kabia being the most likely candidates to step up. Butler-Oyedeji, 21, made his first-team debut last month, while 19-year-old Kabia played in September. But relying on untested youth players at such a crucial time isn’t ideal.

Crunch Time for Arsenal

The upcoming schedule offers little relief. Arsenal has to tackle seven matches before March’s international break, including Premier League games and crucial Champions League ties. Between them, Trossard, Sterling, and Nwaneri have only seven league goals this season—a stat that doesn’t inspire much confidence.

Arsenal took a big risk by not boosting their attack in January. Now, Arteta has to find a way to navigate this storm. The next few months will define their season—and maybe his legacy as Arsenal manager.