The Gunners are currently without Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka, both of whom are on the sidelines due to injury.
Arsenal looked at a number of options throughout the winter window, although most of them proved to be unobtainable.
Now, the winter transfer window has now slammed shut and Kai Havertz remains the Gunners’ first-choice number nine.
Now, Mikel Arteta has shared who he could use to cover for Havertz at centre-forward, naming four players he thinks could do the job.
(L-R) Gabriel Martinelli, Jakub Kiwior, Leandro Trossard, Thomas Parety, Jack Henry-Francis, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Declan Rice, Ethan Nwaneri and Ole...
Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Leandro Trossard, Raheem Sterling, Ethan Nwaneri and Gabriel Martinelli tipped to cover at centre-forward for Arsenal
Arteta, speaking to reporters ahead of the League Cup semi-final second leg against Newcastle United, admitted Arsenal would have to try “something different”.
The Gunners boss said Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli can play at centre-forward, while Raheem Sterling has played there before.
Arteta also said he thinks academy breakout star Ethan Nwaneri could also play at No. 9.
“We’re going to have to be very flexible in the front line,” began Arteta.
“And now the ones that we have and are fit, make sure that they stay fit and they keep contributing.
“Leo can play in that position. Raheem has played in that position. Ethan, I think, can play in that position. Martinelli can play there.
“Let’s see in relation to how everybody is, moment, opponent, but at some point, I think we’re going to have to try something different.”
How much experience Arsenal quartet have at centre-forward
Sterling is the Arsenal player with the most experience at centre-forward, having played in the position 62 times in his club career.
The Chelsea loanee has registered 25 goals and 10 assists whilst leading the line, both at senior and at youth level.
Sterling is followed by Trossard, who has 39 games under his belt at centre-forward, with eight goals and 10 assists to his name.
Raheem Sterling 62 25 10
Leandro Trossard 39 8 10
Gabriel Martinelli 16 9 –
Ethan Nwaneri 8 10 2
Martinelli is next on the list with 16 outings and nine goals at centre-forward, while Nwaneri has only played eight times at centre-forward, mostly at youth level.
Earlier this season, Mikel revealed that he thinks Nwaneri could be developed into a centre-forward.
Asked whether Nwaneri and Odegaard could play together, Arteta said: “Depending on who they are surrounded with and which position, Ethan can play as a right attacking midfielder, left attacking midfielder, as a right winger and there is another position he can develop into in a few years time.”
When asked for further details, the Arsenal manager said: “(Number) nine. He’s got the goal in front of him and he just looks at the goal. He has a tremendous ability to put the ball in the back of the net.”
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