Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal was the talk of the Premier League after a transformative mid-season trip to Dubai in early 2024, a gesture that seemed to rejuvenate the squad and enhance their performance. However, the subsequent campaign in 2025 has turned into a different narrative, one fraught with injury woes and questionable managerial decisions. The latest setback concerning Kai Havertz, Arsenal’s only fit central striker, has thrust the Gunners into a precarious position, revealing the fragility of their forward line and calling into question their foresight in the transfer market.
The news of Havertz sustaining a torn hamstring is the latest blow to a club that has already been grappling with inadequate squad depth. While some may argue that hindsight is always 20/20, the decision not to recruit another striker during the winter transfer window now looks particularly shortsighted. Injuries are an inevitable part of football, yet the failure to hedge against such occurrences by acquiring additional firepower further jeopardizes Arsenal’s season.
With this dire predicament in mind, the Gunners find themselves limited in their options moving forward. Bringing in a seasoned free agent or relying on youth academy graduates are the most likely paths forward, but the quality and readiness of the potential candidates present significant concerns.
Examining the available strikers, one is faced with a collection of players whose prior exploits in football are marred by inconsistency or age-related decline. Carlos Vela, a name familiar to Arsenal fans, comes into consideration. His previous stint at the club from 2005 to 2012 left little mark, and despite the poetic allure of a return at age 35, the reality is that Vela has not been tested at the Premier League level for over six years. While he possesses creativity and flair, thrusting him into the role of a central striker could prove detrimental, particularly against the physical defenders of the Premier League.
One cannot overlook the name Diego Costa—another former Premier League figure known for his robust style of play. After returning to England with Wolves in 2022 and failing to make a significant impact, his current physical state raises further questions. At 36, Costa’s battle with fitness has prevented him from contributing meaningfully in recent years. While his history might evoke nostalgia among some fans, the cruel reality of professional sports is that past success does not equate to present viability.
Similarly, the chance to bring in strikers like Enes Ünal or even players who have underperformed severely in recent seasons paints a grim picture of Arsenal’s available talent pool. Ünal, who has not been on the scoresheet since his departure from Trabzonspor, encapsulates the risks associated with signing individuals whose forms are as volatile as the weather in London.
Given the constraints imposed by injuries and poor transfer decisions, Arsenal’s youth academy must become an immediate focus for Arteta. Young talents like Nathan Butler-Oyedeji and Khayon Edwards should be on the coaching staff’s radar despite limited first-team experience. Butler-Oyedeji’s lack of goals during his loan spells may be alarming, yet his accolades at the Premier League 2 level hint at untapped potential.
On the other hand, Edwards is even less experienced, with a goalless loan spell at Leyton Orient—raising questions about his readiness for the intensity of Premier League competition. Relying heavily on youth in crucial fixtures could backfire, yet it may also inspire a new wave of energy and creativity that the current squad desperately needs.
As the Gunners confront the fallout from their injury crisis, they find themselves at a pivotal crossroads. The combination of neglecting to reinforce their squad and the harsh realities of player fitness leaves them scrambling for solutions. Without a magical fix on the horizon, it appears that Arsenal must embrace a “next man up” mentality, whether it be through the academy ranks or by giving new life to veterans battling against time.
For a club aspiring to reclaim its position among the elite of English football, the way they navigate this challenging moment will define their character and commitment. If Arsenal can emerge from this adversity with a sense of unity and purpose, it may yet salvage something from this season, but as history has shown, success often favors the prepared. In this instance, failing to heed the warning signs could leave a lasting impact on the Gunners’ campaign.