Arsenal’s Striker Shortage Highlights Costly January Transfer Mistake

Arsenal are in deep trouble after their failure to sign new players in the January transfer window. The club is now dealing with a major injury crisis, especially in attack. The latest blow comes with Kai Havertz’s season-ending hamstring injury, which he suffered during a training camp in Dubai. This leaves Mikel Arteta with very few options in the forward line for the remainder of the 2024/25 season.

With Gabriel Jesus also ruled out for the season, and both Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka struggling with fitness, Arsenal’s attack is seriously weakened. Currently, Leandro Trossard, Raheem Sterling, and Ethan Nwaneri are the only fit attacking players. However, none of them are traditional strikers.

Since the January transfer window is closed, Arsenal have only two possible solutions: promote young players from the academy or sign a free agent. Given the lack of experience in the youth ranks, the club may have to look at free-agent strikers who are currently available.

Here are some of the many free-agent forwards Arsenal could sign to help solve their problems.

Wissam Ben Yedder

Strengths: Proven goal scorer in Ligue 1, good technical ability, experienced forward.
Weaknesses: Legal issues, controversy off the pitch.

Ben Yedder had a fantastic career at AS Monaco, where he scored 118 goals in 201 appearances. He is a natural finisher and could bring much-needed firepower to Arsenal. However, his reputation has been severely damaged after he was found guilty of sexual assault in November 2024, receiving a two-year suspended prison sentence. Signing him would likely cause a backlash from fans and the media.

Maxi Gómez

Strengths: Physical presence, experience in La Liga, international caps for Uruguay.
Weaknesses: Poor recent form, hasn’t scored in a long time.

At 28, Gómez is still in his prime years, but his career has declined significantly. He made a name for himself at Celta Vigo, scoring 30 goals in two seasons, but his form dipped after moving to Valencia. Last season, he played 33 games for Cádiz without scoring a single goal, raising concerns about his ability to contribute at the top level. However, his physicality could provide Arsenal with a target man up front.

Mariano Díaz

Strengths: Quick, strong in the air, past experience with big clubs.
Weaknesses: Inconsistent, struggled for regular playing time in recent years.

Díaz came through Real Madrid’s academy and showed early promise. He had a successful loan spell at Lyon, scoring 21 goals in one season, but never established himself at Madrid. A move to Sevilla in 2023/24 was a disaster, as he failed to score in 13 appearances. At 31, he is available for free, but he hasn’t played much football recently and may not be sharp enough to help Arsenal immediately.

Diego Costa

Strengths: Aggressive, experienced, Premier League winner with Chelsea.
Weaknesses: Age, lack of pace, poor form in recent years.

Diego Costa was once one of the most feared strikers in the world, leading Chelsea to Premier League titles. However, at 36 years old, he is far from his prime. He struggled during his time at Wolves in 2022/23, scoring just one goal in 25 matches. His recent stints in Brazil with Botafogo and Gremio have been better, but he is no longer the player he once was. While his experience could help Arsenal, he may not have the legs to compete in a high-intensity team like Arteta’s.

Lucas Pérez

Strengths: Familiar with Arsenal, still performing well in Spain.
Weaknesses: Aging, not a long-term solution.

Pérez had a short and forgettable spell at Arsenal in 2016/17, scoring seven goals in 21 appearances. After bouncing around clubs, he returned to Deportivo La Coruña, where he was doing well before leaving in January for personal reasons. At 36 years old, he wouldn’t be a long-term option, but he is still an intelligent forward with decent finishing ability.

Carlos Vela

Strengths: Technical ability, creativity, goal threat.
Weaknesses: Likely unwilling to return to Europe, past his peak.

Vela played for Arsenal early in his career, but his best years came at Real Sociedad and later LAFC in MLS, where he scored 93 goals in 188 games. While still a quality player, he is now 35 years old and has spent many years in the United States. A return to Arsenal seems highly unlikely, as he may prefer to continue his career in MLS or Mexico rather than moving back to Europe.

Arsenal’s failure to sign a striker in January has left them in a desperate situation. With no fit natural strikers, Arteta has very few options for the rest of the season.

Of the free agents available, Ben Yedder is the most talented, but his legal issues make him a risky choice. Maxi Gómez and Mariano Díaz could offer a temporary fix, but both have struggled for form. Diego Costa, Lucas Pérez, and Carlos Vela are aging stars who might lack the physicality for the Premier League.

Ultimately, Arsenal may have to take a gamble on one of these players or trust their youth players to step up in this crucial part of the season. Whatever they decide, the lack of planning in January may end up costing them dearly in their pursuit of silverware and a top-four finish.