Mikel Arteta has backed Kai Havertz after Arsenal failed to sign a new striker in the January transfer window. Arteta had been vocal about his desire to strengthen his attacking options following serious injuries to Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus. However, a big-money offer for Ollie Watkins was rejected by Aston Villa, while Bayern Munich's Mathys Tel decided to join Tottenham on loan despite interest from Arsenal.

As a result, Havertz is the only frontline striker Arteta has at his disposal, with Jesus expected to miss the rest of the season due to an ACL injury. And when asked if he believes Havertz will thrive in the second half of the season as Arsenal's sole striker, Arteta said: "Well, I think Kai has played so many games and it's been so important when other players, some big players as well, were available.

"It's not because a player is not coming and his position is going to be more important. From my opinion, there's nothing to do with that.". Reflecting on Arsenal's failure to bring in a new striker, Arteta admitted he was "disappointed" by that fact. "We had a clear intention which is always there is a window open to explore the opportunities to improve our squad with players that can impact it," he explained.

"We haven't achieved it so we are disappointed in that sense but as well we are very aware that we only want to bring certain kind of players and we have to be very disciplined with that as well and I think that we will. "We're going to have to be very flexible in the front line and now the ones that we have and are fit, make sure that they stay fit and they keep contributing. Leo [Trossard] can play in that position.

"Raheem [Sterling] has played in that position. Ethan [Nwaneri], I think, can play in that position. [Gabriel] 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.". Arsenal are set to return to action on Wednesday when they take on Newcastle in the second leg of their Carabao Cup tie, with the Gunners hoping to overturn a 2-0 deficit from the first leg and reach the final.

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