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The ‘complete’ forward Arsenal opted not to sign on loan just weeks before Kai Havertz injury
Arsenal have found themselves in an extremely difficult position due to Kai Havertz’s hamstring injury.
Kai Havertz picked up the injury during Arsenal’s warm-weather training camp in Dubai and the striker is expected to be out for the rest of the season.
Mikel Arteta is also without Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka, all of whom are injury absentees.
The news has resulted in widespread criticism of Arteta and Arsenal for finding themselves in a situation that many could have seen coming.
For instance, Arsenal fans have been saying the Gunners should not have sold the likes of Mika Biereth this season.
In addition, the Gunners didn’t bring in any reinforcements in the January transfer window.
And one “complete” forward Arsenal had the chance of signing of loan was ultimately overlooked because the Gunners felt they had adequate cover.
READ MORE: Arsenal begin talks over extending forward’s contract amid Kai Havertz injury news
Arsenal opted not to sign Mathys Tel as they felt they were well-stocked in his position
The player in question is Mathys Tel, who Arsenal were heavily linked with for much of the January window.
In the end, arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur ended up signing Tel on loan from Bayern Munich, and he’s looked bright so far.
Not long after the window shut, Charles Watts explained what Arsenal’s stance was towards Tel, a striker who has been described as “complete”.
“There was lots of chatter about Mathys Tel, but I was told that one never really got off the ground,” he wrote on CaughtOffside about the £50million-rated ace.
“There were some conversations given his obvious availability.
“But Arsenal were focused more on exploring moves for an out and out striker, rather than a forward who can play centrally but prefers to play off the left.
“They already believed they are well stocked in that area.”
How Arsenal could now replace Havertz
As things stand, Arsenal now have just Leandro Trossard, Raheem Sterling and Ethan Nwaneri to cover in attack.
TBR Football understands that Arsenal will not look to the free transfer market in wake of the injury blow to Havertz.
With that in mind, Arteta now has two options at his disposal beyond his regular forwards.
The first is for Arsenal to promote from the academy – Nathan Butler-Oyedeji, Khayon Edwards and Andre Harriman-Annous could be in with a shout.
In addition, TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey has confirmed that Arsenal could look at using one of their defenders in attack.
William Saliba has previously spoken of his love of playing up front and scoring lots of goals as a striker for youth side AS Bondy.