With Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus sidelined for the remainder of Arsenal's season, as well as Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka sidelined until April due to injuries, manager Mikel Arteta has very few choices. Arsenal is reportedly already making significant progress in their pursuit of Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams ahead of the summer, while the Gunners made an attempt to address their striking deficit in January by bidding for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins (David Ornstein).

Ahead of their 2-0 victory over Leicester City, they were also briefly predicted to turn to the open market in search of a quicker fix, with Arteta refusing to rule out the signing of an out-of-contract striker. However, they have very few choices in that respect. Against Leicester, Mikel Merino came on as a substitute, and the Spaniard's gallant late brace helped Arsenal maintain their slim chances of winning the Premier League.