Arsenal
Aston Villa
Chelsea
Crystal Palace
Everton
Fulham
Leeds United
Liverpool
Manchester City
Manchester United
Newcastle United
Nottingham Forest
Southampton
Tottenham Hotspur
West Ham United
Wolverhampton Wanderers
Opinion
Three strikers from Arsenal’s youth-team who Mikel Arteta could promote after Kai Havertz injury blow
Arsenal are now coming to terms with the fact that Kai Havertz will be unavailable to Mikel Arteta for the remainder of the season, a bitter blow for all in N5.
Last year, Arsenal’s mid-season trip to Dubai was one that rejuvenated Arteta’s squad, inspiring a remarkable winning run.
However, Arsenal are returning without a recognised striker this time around given that Havertz will be out for the rest of the season.
The German number nine will join Gabriel Jesus in Arsenal’s treatment room, suffering the same injury that is currently keeping Bukayo Saka out of action.
It’s horrendous news for the Gunners, and Arsenal aren’t interested in signing a free agent.
None of the strikers available on a free transfer right now would be good enough for Arsenal’s aspirations regardless, but it’s not a short-term fix the club are looking at.
But there are three names in the Hale End Academy who could be interesting.
Nathan Butler-Oyedeji
Firstly, and perhaps most obviously, Arsenal could turn to 22-year-old striker Nathan Butler-Oyedeji.
Butler-Oyedeji made his Arsenal debut recently in the Champions League and has often appeared on the bench this season.
Predominantly a striker, Butler-Oydeji can play out wide as well, and he’s praised for his pace and flair.
However, the Hale End graduate failed to score during two six-month loan spells with Accrington Stanley and Cheltenham over the past two years.
Butler-Oyedeji has no goals in 24 League One appearances, and is reportedly someone Arsenal are open to moving on in the summer.
Khayon Edwards
Perhaps there is a little bit more reason to get excited about the potential of 21-year-old Khayon Edwards, even if he is less tested at senior level.
Edwards has scored 21 goals in 48 games for Arsenal’s under-21s, including seven goals this season.
The striker spent the second half of last season on loan at Leyton Orient in League One, where he failed to score in his seven appearances.
Premier League sides were interested in Edwards in the summer which bodes well for his chances of potentially elevating his level with more chances.
However, just like is the case with Butler-Oyedeji, it doesn’t seem as if there was going to be a first team place planned for Edwards in any other circumstances.
Andre Harriman-Annous
Lastly, Arteta could make the bold decision to turn to 17-year-old youngster Andre Harriman-Annous.
After the departure of Chido Obi-Martin to Manchester United last year, Harriman-Annous has taken the crown of being the most exciting young striker at Hale End.
READ MORE: What Jose Mourinho ‘laughed’ about immediately after Arsenal appointed Mikel Arteta in 2019
Harriman-Annous has scored in every competition he’s been involved in this season for Arsenal, yielding 12 goals in 22 games.
And although he’s a lot less experienced than Butler-Oyedeji and Edwards, he’s seemingly got more potential.
After already introducing Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly this season, Arteta might deem it a step too quick for Harriman-Annous, but he’s certainly the kind of talent who Arsene Wenger might have taken a gamble on.