Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta may be forced to adjust his transfer plans after Gabriel Jesus' latest injury triggered fears they could be left short up front this season.
The Gunners are preparing to announce the capture of Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad after reportedly striking a £34million agreement with the Basque outfit. But Arsenal could yet make another late dip into the market with only five days left to go before the transfer window shuts on August 30.
The absence of Jesus - who suffered a groin injury - from the squad to face Aston Villa on Saturday generated panic amongst Arsenal supporters in the build-up to their clash at Villa Park.
Related articles
The Brazilian was not expected to start, with Kai Havertz generally preferred as their No. 9 under Arteta so far this season. But not to have the 26-year-old on the bench was especially worrying considering Eddie Nketiah is thought to be on his way out of the squad this summer, with interest from Nottingham Forest.
If Nketiah leaves, it would leave Arteta with only Havertz and Jesus to choose from in his senior squad. And while he has been available of late, Jesus' late injury came as no surprise given his history of small niggles and more serious fitness concerns.
Arteta is now faced with three options before the deadline: keep Nketiah, sign another forward, or gamble on Havertz and Jesus being enough until January and sell Nketiah.
Neither option is ideal for Arsenal, given the season has already started, and it represents a difficult choice for the Spaniard. However, Jesus' injury might just be enough to convince Arteta to change his stance on signing a new No. 9.
Arsenal have been linked with high-profile and expensive targets such as Victor Osimhen, Viktor Gyokeres and Alexander Isak, who may be difficult to sign so close to the deadline. Then there are more modest options such as Ivan Toney and Jonathan David, with the pair both approaching the end of their contracts.
It would take a significant change of thought from Arteta, who only a few days ago declared himself "happy" with the current options in his squad.
"It’s not a question that we’ve put to ourselves because we have some great strikers; Gabi Jesus is there, Kai has played there a lot of minutes, Leo has played there," Arteta said on Friday.
"We believe that we had other necessities as well and we fully trust our players, last year we scored the most goals in the history of this club. We want to get better, for sure, and we’ll try but we’ll try with the players already with us."
The fact he mentioned Leandro Trossard as a possible deputy should Havertz become injured after selling Nketiah suggests Arsenal may not be likely to spend again unless a favourable deal arises.
But if they are to home in on Manchester City and snatch away the title this season, Arteta cannot afford to be on the wrong side of this crucial decision.
