Arsenal may be forced to turn to their Hale End academy for attacking reinforcements after Kai Havertz suffered a season-ending hamstring injury during training in Dubai. With Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka, and Gabriel Martinelli also sidelined, Mikel Arteta faces a severe shortage of attacking options, particularly in central positions and academy striker Khayon Edwards has been tipped to get a run in the first-team.
With the January transfer window now closed, Arteta must find internal solutions. Speaking last week, the Arsenal boss acknowledged the need for flexibility in attack.
“We are going to have to be flexible in the front line,” Arteta admitted. “Leo (Trossard), Ethan (Nwaneri), Martinelli, Raheem (Sterling) can play in that position. Let’s see in relation to how everybody is, the moment, and the opponent. But, at some point, we’re going to have to try something different.”
Edwards has been a standout performer in Premier League 2 this season, scoring seven goals in 10 matches. However, he is yet to make a senior appearance for Arsenal. The young forward was prolific at U18 level, netting 16 goals in 16 matches, but struggled during a loan spell at Leyton Orient last season, failing to score in seven League One appearances.
