Is there an attacking crisis at Arsenal?

Arsenal Center-Framtid picture has changed dramatically in just a few days. Kai haveertzthat had established itself as one of Mikel Arteta’s Reliable alternatives through the middle, have taken up a knee injury and are now being evaluated. Gabriel Jesus is still not available as he continues his recovery from knee surgery and leaves Arsenal light in an important area on the pitch.

At the same time, Arsenal made a decisive feature to get in Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace In a deal worth up to £ 67.5 million. That movement was not planned weeks in advance. It came quickly and immediately after Hafertz’s setback, a sign of how serious the club looks at the lack of alternatives.

So the question is clear. Is Arsenal on its way into an attacking crisis, or is it something they can handle?

The immediate depth chart

Right now Viktor Gyöpes is the only full fit, the natural striker in Arsenal’s senior group. The Swedish international was signed to be the solution ahead and has a reputation as a productive painter in Portugal. He has already shown glimpse of what he can do, but carries the whole burden all over Premier League and Champions League is a heavy question.

With Hafertz who is undergoing tests and Jesus still on the way, the Artetas squad looks thin in the most crucial area on the pitch. That is why the attention has not only turned to Eze but also to the players who are already in the squad who may be able to fill the gap.

What Eze brings with and what he doesn’t

If Arsenal complete the signing of Eze, they will add one of the league’s most creative and dynamic attackers. His ability to carry the ball, hit the defender and link the midfield with attack will make Arsenal less predictable. He will open space to others and improve the quality of the chance.

What Eze does not do is solve the attack problem directly. He is not the type that leads the line or plays with his back to goal. Instead, his arrival allows Arteta to form the attack in new ways and rely less on a traditional No. 9. That flexibility may be crucial in the coming weeks.

Internal options: Trossard, Nwaneri and Martinelli

Arsenal has players who can cover, even if they are not natural in the middle.

Leandro Trossard Has quietly become one of the most important squad players since they joined Brighton. His intelligence in narrow areas, sharp finishing and ability to find pockets in space makes him a strong alternative like a fake nine. He lacks the size and power of Haftz or Gyökeres, but against teams that sit deep, Trossard’s movement can unlock defense.

Ethan Nwaneri, Now 18 is another exciting opportunity. He has only signed a new long -term deal and is slowly introduced to the first team. His fast feet, creativity and calm in advanced areas give him qualities to try the fake nine role if needed. It would be a great responsibility for such a young player, but Arteta has never been afraid to trust talent when the moment demands it.

Gabriel Martinelli is the second name in the conversation. Normally devastating from left wing has Martinelli the beat and aggression to play centrally if Arteta wants a more direct alternative. His pressure from the front and the ability to stretch defense vertically can be valuable. The challenge is to move him in would sacrifice his breadth, which remains one of Arsenal’s most effective attacking weapons.

Between these three and Gyöpes, Arsenal has alternatives. No one is perfect replacement for HaVertz, but everyone offers something else that can be used depending on the opponent.

Will Arsenal still add another striker?

The big question now is whether Arsenal will look at the market for another striker before the window is closed. Much depends on the results of Hafertz’s scans. If the injury excludes him for a longer spell, the pressure will bring in another forward to grow. If the news is more positive, the club can decide to trust the existing alternatives and avoid a rushed business.

What is certain is that Arsenal has positioned itself to act quickly if needed. The club showed with the EZE business that it can move quickly when the opportunity arises. A similar feature for an attacker is not questioned whether the situation worsens.

Tactical solutions without strikers

Even without a natural No. 9, Arteta has ways to set their side to keep points goals. He can go with a false nine system and ask Trossard or even Nwaneri to let into the midfield and pull defenders out of position. He can play with a floating front three, with Martinelli, Saka and eventually Eze to rotate constantly and overwhelming opponents with movement. Or he can drive more of the points burden in the midfield, where Ødegaard, Rice and Eze can all chop in.

That is why Arsenal does not panic. They have played long magic formulas without a classic striker before and found ways to win.

So … crisis or controllable?

On paper, Arsenal’s attack depth is dangerously thin. Losing Hafertz is a big blow and Jesus is still some way. Gyökeres can’t do everything on their own. It makes this a real area that is worrying to Arteta.

At the same time, this does not feel like a collapse. Between Gyöpes availability, Trossard’s versatility, Martinelli’s explosiveness and Nwaneri’s potential, arsenal can torment things together. The imminent arrival of Eze adds creativity that will facilitate the pressure.

It is not yet a crisis, but the margin is thin. Another setback can push Arsenal into a serious problem, and the next update of HaVertz will determine how the club reacts. At the moment it is a challenge that can be handled, but it is one that tests the depth and adaptability in the Artetas squad.