
Mikel Arteta supported Kai Havertz after Arsenal had not signed a new striker in the January transfer window.
Arteta was pronounced about his desire to strengthen his attacking options after serious injuries to Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus. However, an offer of large money for Ollie Watkins was rejected by Aston Villa, while Mathys Tel from Bayern Munich decided to use Tottenham, despite interest from Arsenal.
As a result, Havertz is the only front line striker that has Arteta at its disposal, whereby Jesus is expected to miss the rest of the season because of an ACL injury. And when asked if he believes that Havertz will thrive in the second half of the season as the only striker of Arsenal, Arteta said: “Well, I think Kai has played so many games and it has been as important as other players, some Great players too were available.
“It is not because a player does not come and will become his position more important. There is nothing to do with my opinion.”
As reflective on the failure of Arsenal to bring in a new striker, Arteta admitted that he was 'disappointed' by that fact. “We had a clear intention that is always there to open a window to explore the opportunities to improve our team with players who can influence this,” he explained.
“We have not achieved it, so we are disappointed in that sense, but we are also very aware that we only want to take certain types of players with us and we should also be disciplined very well with that and I think we will do that .
“We have to be very flexible in the front line and now those we have and fit, make sure they stay fit and continue to contribute. Leo [Trossard] Can play in that position.
“Raheem [Sterling] played in that position. Ethan [Nwaneri]I think, can play in that position. [Gabriel] Martinelli can play there. Let's look at how everyone is, moment, opponent, but at some point I think we should try something else. “
Arsenal will return to action on Wednesday when they take on Newcastle in the second stage of their Carabao Cup-equal game, where the Gunners hope to overthrow a 2-0 deficit of the first stage and reach the final.
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