Mikel Arteta has three potential options to replace Kai Havertz in his Arsenal side, including a summer signing
Igor Tyjon joined Arsenal in the summer and has been playing up front for the under-21s
Igor Tyjon joined Arsenal in the summer and has been playing up front for the under-21s(Image: David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
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Kai Havertz has suffered a suspected hamstring injury, and the German international now faces an anxious wait to determine if and for how long he will have to miss action on the field with Arsenal. This comes as a major blow after a strong start to the season, scoring in three of the first four matches of the season.
Mikel Arteta had been able to bring Havertz together with Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka once again, with the trio unable to play together for well over a year because of injuries to all three players at different points. However, with the home clash with Leeds United on the horizon, it seems Arteta will need to make changes again.
In the last two seasons, Havertz was missing for an extended period, and Arteta had to use different options in the German’s stead, one of which has since been sold, Gabriel Jesus. football.london takes a look at the three potential options we could see given the chance.
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Viktor Gyokeres
The obvious candidate to fill the void is their current number two, Viktor Gyokeres. The Swede was Arsenal’s top scorer last season with 21 goals as they won the Premier League and reached two cup finals.
However, he has since lost his place and was even rumoured to be on the way out in the summer after Arsenal’s keenness to sign Julian Alvarez. Gyokeres has started just two games, both outside of the Premier League, and is yet to record a goal.
There remain plenty of critics of Gyokeres and there are doubts whether he fits the style that Arteta wants from his attack, but what the Swede does have is the availability that Havertz has continuously lacked. If Havertz is out, this presents a major opportunity to Gyokeres.
Mikel Merino
The other option is the Spanish clutch star Mikel Merino. There have been times in the past two seasons where the Spaniard has been called upon to play up top with injuries present and needs must.
Merino responded excellently and has a very good record playing up top for Arsenal. He has played 23 times as a centre-forward for Arsenal, scoring 10 goals and assisting a further six.
He managed a goal or an assist in very difficult clashes such as away to Sunderland and Chelsea, while also assisted in the North London Derby last season. But in the Champions League run in 2024/25, he scored at home to Real Madrid and assisted both goals in the away win in the Bernabeu. If he is needed, there is no doubt Merino will step up.
Igor Tyjon
The final option concerns the summer signing that many might have overlooked, and that is England and Poland youth international Igor Tyjon. Signed for Blackburn after a lengthy transfer saga, the Gunners finally got their man.
While it is highly unlikely that Tyjon gets an opportunity in the Premier League, if he impresses for the under-21s, it could be that the League Cup clash with Fleetwood Town is identified as a game where he could get some senior experience. The 18-year-old has already played at the senior level with Blackburn, and could now get the chance with Arsenal.
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