Arteta identifies BIZARRE solution to Arsenal's striker woes

Cameron Smith

• 14 Feb 2025 20:00 GMT
• 3 min read

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta could reportedly deploy Ben White or Riccardo Calafiori as an emergency striker amid the club’s current injury crisis.

The Gunners failed to sign a centre forward during the January transfer window, to the disappointment of Arteta, and the club have been left with a threadbare set of attacking options after Kai Havertz pulled his hamstring while on a training camp in Dubai.

The Germany international has joined the likes of Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli on the treatment table, with Raheem Sterling, Leandro Trossard and Ethan Nwaneri the only fit attackers currently available to Arteta.

READ MORE: Arteta gives POSITIVE Saka injury update but sends ‘BIG TROUBLE’ message

As a result, the Arsenal manager will consider using White or Calafiori as an unorthodox centre forward if needed, according to a rather sensational report from TBR Football.

Trossard is expected to lead the line for the foreseeable future, although Arteta may turn to an unlikely source if Arsenal suffer any additional injury problems.

READ MORE: Arteta made an ‘ASTOUNDING’ decision to sell the ‘next Ian Wright’

Mikel Arteta on Kai Havertz’s injury

Ahead of Arsenal’s clash against Leicester City this weekend, Arteta clarified the reason behind Havertz’s unfortunate hamstring injury.

“He was going to stop a shot after a set-piece and stretched the leg and he felt his hamstring,” Arteta admitted to reporters.

“We were having a great camp in Dubai, recharging, training, having some time off and connecting again with nature and a different environment.

“And then the injury happened in a very unexpected way, certainly. So it's a big blow, obviously, because of the injuries that we have.”

When asked if Arsenal would dip into the free agent market amid their current forward crisis, Arteta replied: “I'll explore every possible situation and make a decision from there.”

However, the Gunners boss is also reportedly open to using White or Calafiori in a centre forward role if an emergency arises during the final few months of the campaign.