6 Free Agent Strikers Arsenal Could Sign After Kai Havertz’s Injury

Arsenal’s Injury Woes Deepen After Havertz’s Hamstring Tear

Arsenal’s decision not to reinforce their attack in the January transfer window is looking increasingly costly. The latest setback comes with Kai Havertz suffering a season-ending hamstring injury during the Gunners’ warm-weather training camp in Dubai.

The 25-year-old joins fellow attacking stars Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, and Bukayo Saka on the sidelines, leaving Mikel Arteta with a major crisis. With Jesus and Havertz out for the remainder of the season, Arsenal are without a recognized striker. Their current attacking options are limited to Leandro Trossard, Raheem Sterling, and youngster Ethan Nwaneri.

With the winter transfer window closed, the Gunners must now either promote youth talent or explore the free agent market. Here are six unattached forwards Arsenal could sign to fill the void.

Wissam Ben Yedder

A proven goal scorer in Ligue 1, Wissam Ben Yedder netted 118 goals in 201 appearances for Monaco before his contract expired last summer.

However, his availability comes with controversy, as he received a two-year suspended prison sentence in November 2024 for sexual assault. Signing the 34-year-old would be a highly contentious move.

Maxi Gomez

At just 28, Maxi Gomez’s free agent status is surprising. The Uruguayan striker impressed at Celta Vigo, scoring 30 goals in two seasons, before a move to Valencia saw his form decline.

His spell in Turkey with Trabzonspor and a loan stint at Cadiz were uninspiring, with Gomez failing to score in 33 games last season. Despite this, his physicality could offer Arsenal a much-needed presence up front.

Mariano Diaz

A former Real Madrid prospect, Mariano Diaz showed early promise but struggled to establish himself at the Santiago Bernabeu. After a successful loan at Lyon, where he scored 21 goals, he returned to Madrid but never recaptured that form.

A disappointing spell at Sevilla in 2023/24 saw him fail to score in 13 appearances. Now 31, Diaz wouldn’t excite Arsenal fans, but he could provide depth in the short term.

Diego Costa

A name Premier League fans know well, Diego Costa remains a free agent after recent stints with Botafogo, Gremio, and Wolves.

While his aggressive style and physicality made him a nightmare for defenders in his prime, the 36-year-old is far removed from his peak years. His struggles at Wolves, where he managed just one goal in 25 appearances, raise questions about his current level.

Lucas Perez

A familiar face for Arsenal fans, Lucas Perez spent the 2016/17 season with the club, scoring seven times in 21 appearances. Since then, he has played for various Spanish clubs, most recently Deportivo La Coruna in Spain’s second division.

Now 36, Perez left Deportivo in January 2025 for personal reasons, but his experience in English football could make him a short-term option.

Carlos Vela

Another former Arsenal player, Carlos Vela, spent five years at Real Sociedad before moving to LAFC in MLS, where he thrived with 93 goals in 188 games.

Now 35, Vela’s return to the Emirates seems unlikely, but his ability to play as a striker or winger could be useful for Arteta’s depleted squad.

Who Should Arsenal Sign?

With limited options available, Arsenal must carefully consider their next move. Should they take a risk on an experienced but aging striker, or trust their younger players to step up?

Who do you think Arsenal should sign? Let us know in the comments!