Arsenal could have found an unlikely solution to their injury woes in the form of an ex-Liverpool star. Mikel Arteta has four senior attackers currently unavailable with Kai Havertz and Gabriel Martinelli recently joining Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus on the Gunners’ list of absentees.
Leandro Trossard, Ethan Nwaneri and Raheem Sterling were subsequently deployed as the front three against Leicester City at King Power Stadium. With Arsenal rather toothless in the first 70 minutes, Arteta threw on Mikel Merino to play up front with that decision paying off as he scored twice in the final stages.
With no forward expected back for another few weeks at least, Merino may end up starting as the striker more frequently. There are some other alternatives however, with Arteta previously revealing Nwaneri can play that role, but a number of factors makes that unlikely.
Firstly, Nwaneri was exceptional off the right on Saturday and it would also mean Sterling continues starting which does seem hard to imagine based on his recent performances. There is another solution that would require a number of things going Arsenal’s way, but it is possible.
According to Brazilian journalist Wilson Pimentel, former Liverpool striker Roberto Firmino has asked to leave Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli with talks to terminate his contract taking place. It has been claimed that Arsenal and Flamengo are monitoring his situation.
The Brazil international has endured a nightmare run in the Middle East and could therefore be keen on a move back to the Premier League. If Firmino is granted his wish he would become a free agent and therefore Arsenal would be able to sign him if that was the path they chose with it not something ruled out by Arteta.
“We will explore every possible situation and make a decision from there,” the Gunners boss said in a press conference after the January transfer window closed. “We always put out that we were an injury or two away from a risky situation.
“When you try your best and you do everything you’re capable of, you have done homework and don’t achieve it you can have regrets – but at least you know you’ve done it.”
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