Arsenal Hunt Five Striker Options as Havertz Injury Forces Emergency Transfer Plans

Arsenal Hunt Five Striker Options as Havertz Injury Forces Emergency Transfer Plans

Arsenal have played just one Premier League fixture this season but are already facing a deeply worrying injury concern that demands immediate attention.

Kai Havertz has sustained a knee problem and faces an extended "period on the sidelines" as reported by The Athletic. Though the exact nature of his injury and expected recovery duration remain unclear, this represents a significant setback for the Gunners at such an early stage of the new season.

Arsenal are now "actively scouring the transfer market" to identify a suitable replacement for the German star, indicating he may face a considerable stint in rehabilitation. Viktor Gyökeres, Leandro Trossard and emergency option Mikel Merino represent the only current alternatives in the striker position.

Nevertheless, with the transfer window rapidly closing, Arsenal's hunt for another forward must be executed quickly. Here are five potential targets they might pursue before the deadline arrives.

Ollie Watkins

Arsenal have previously pursued Ollie Watkins during crisis situations. The Gunners had a substantial offer turned down for the Aston Villa forward during the middle of the 2024–25 campaign after Gabriel Jesus suffered a serious injury—from which he's still recovering following that ACL rupture—and they might renew their pursuit of the 29-year-old in the upcoming days.

Watkins represents a proven Premier League marksman who could help reduce the immediate burden on Gyökeres as he adapts, with his track record evident after netting 16 or more goals across all competitions in four of his previous five seasons.

Watkins would represent a costly acquisition, though, and Villa are expected to reject bids below their rumored £60 million ($80.8 million) valuation given the campaign has commenced.

Nicolas Jackson

Nicolas Jackson during Chelsea practice session.

Chelsea have already transferred two players to Arsenal this summer in Kepa Arrizabalaga and Noni Madueke, but might a third player swap Stamford Bridge for the Emirates Stadium? The Blues are keen to offload Nicolas Jackson after his significant fall in the hierarchy at west London and the Gunners could find worse options than acquiring the Senegal striker.

Jackson possesses two seasons of Premier League experience during which he's netted 24 goals in the division and he's demonstrated consistent threat in attacking areas through his pace and drive—though still developing as a complete player. At 24-years-old, he retains substantial room for growth and could fulfill the promise that initially surrounded him at Villarreal.

He would represent another expensive signing—Chelsea seek approximately £100 million for his transfer, a sum they're unlikely to receive—but he could become the ideal rotation choice alongside Gyökeres should the Blues reduce their asking price.

Christopher Nkunku

Chelsea possess not just one but two central strikers seeking new destinations before the window closes, with Christopher Nkunku also hoping to depart Stamford Bridge soon. The 27-year-old features prominently on Bayern Munich's target list but negotiations have stagnated over Chelsea's reluctance to approve a temporary move.

RB Leipzig are similarly keen on reuniting with their former talent but Arsenal may now need to evaluate the France international. He offers tremendous adaptability and can operate as a striker, creative midfielder or wing forward, and has displayed flashes of his considerable talent at Stamford Bridge. Even when Havertz recovers from injury, Nkunku's versatility means Mikel Arteta could deploy him in different positions.

His fitness history raises questions but he still accumulated 20 goal contributions across 48 matches for Chelsea last campaign.

Alexander Sørloth

Alexander Sorloth

Latest reports indicate that Alexander Sørloth has decided to exit Atlético Madrid due to squad competition, with the 29-year-old potentially joining fellow imposing Norwegian forwards Erling Haaland and Jørgen Strand Larsen in the Premier League for 2025–26.

Sørloth could represent an outstanding temporary acquisition for the Gunners given that a bid of approximately £30.3 million would reportedly suffice to obtain his services for the ongoing season.

The robust center forward found the net 24 times across all competitions for Atléti during his first season, having scored 42 for Villarreal and Real Sociedad in the two previous campaigns. A direct and physical approach would likely suit the Premier League now that he's developed from the inexperienced player who previously struggled at Crystal Palace.

Rodrygo

Arsenal have been connected with a potential move for Real Madrid talent Rodrygo throughout the summer and another attacking setback will only intensify speculation. While the Brazilian isn't primarily a striker, he would certainly offer some desperately needed options in the attacking line and represent a thrilling long-term acquisition.

Rodrygo's position at Madrid remains uncertain as he battles for playing time under new boss Xabi Alonso, with Manchester City among the teams that Arsenal must compete against to secure his services.

A bid of £86.6 million would probably be necessary—though Madrid might reduce that price as the deadline approaches—but that could represent excellent value for a proven Champions League and La Liga champion who has recorded 24 or more goal contributions in each of his last three seasons with Los Blancos.