Arsenal’s Attacking Woes
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is facing a daunting challenge as his team battles through the remainder of the 2024/25 season with a severely depleted attacking lineup. The club suffered a significant blow when Brazil international Gabriel Jesus sustained a season-ending injury at the start of 2025. This setback was compounded when Kai Havertz, another key attacker, was ruled out due to a torn hamstring sustained during a training session in Dubai. These injuries have left Arteta with a very thin bench, particularly in the forward positions.
The Current attacking Squad
The situation has become increasingly dire with Bukayo Saka not expected back until April and Gabriel Martinelli sidelined until March. This leaves Arteta with only Leandro Trossard and Raheem Sterling as his available senior forwards. However, amidst this crisis, there have been some silver linings. Teenage sensation Ethan Nwaneri has shown impressive form, providing a much-needed boost to the team. Additionally, Mikel Merino’s unexpected goal-scoring prowess as a de-facto striker in the recent 2-0 Premier League win against Leicester City has given Arteta another viable option.
The Transfer Window Dilemma
With the winter transfer window now closed, Arsenal is unable to make any new transfers or loans to bring in additional cover for their depleted attack. This restriction is particularly challenging given the club’s ambitions in both the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League. Despite these limitations, Arteta must find a way to keep his team competitive and maintain their title aspirations.
Potential Solutions
One potential loophole that could offer some relief is the Premier League’s rule allowing clubs to sign up to three more players who are currently free agents. This opens the door for Arteta to explore options like Roberto Firmino, the former Liverpool star who is currently on the sidelines at Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli. Firmino’s contract with Al-Ahli, which runs until June 2026, has become a point of contention due to the club’s restrictions on the number of overseas players in their squad. The Brazilian has been omitted from Al-Ahli’s squad list for the remainder of the league season, creating a potential avenue for a move back to Europe.
The Roberto Firmino Option
Firmino joined Al-Ahli in June 2023 after an illustrious eight-year stint at Liverpool, where he won multiple titles, including the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League. However, his current situation in Saudi Arabia is precarious. Al-Ahli’s decision to exclude him from the squad for the remainder of the league season, due to the 10-player limit for overseas players, has left Firmino in a unique position. While he remains under contract with Al-Ahli, there is a possibility of negotiating an early termination. This has led to Arsenal being linked with a potential move for the 33-year-old.
The Future Outlook
The link between Arsenal and Firmino is one to watch closely, as it could provide a significant boost to Arteta’s attacking options. If the deal materializes, Firmino’s experience and goal-scoring ability could prove invaluable in the latter stages of the season. However, any move is subject to Al-Ahli’s willingness to let him go before the end of the season. As Arsenal continues to navigate this challenging period, Arteta’s ability to find creative solutions and motivate his existing squad will be crucial in maintaining the team’s competitive edge.
