Mikel Arteta reveals surprise option to replace injured Kai Havertz for Arsenal

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has admitted centre-back William Saliba has offered to play as a striker for the remainder of the season after Kai Havertz's hamstring injury.

The Gunners have lost both Havertz and Jesus to season-ending fitness issues and now find themselves without a recognised striker for the remainder of the campaign. Wingers Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli are also out, further limiting Arteta's options.

A free agent signing could be a possibility, but Arteta laughed as he revealed Saliba has put himself forward to fill the void at the other end of the field.

"Willy always says, 'I'll play as a striker, I'll play,' " Arteta said. "Willy is so funny, straight away it was one of his reactions.

"It's true as well that he played there. He used to score a lot of goals. But probably a lot of players played there when they were younger. All the options are welcome. We are going to have to be creative."

Asked whether the towering Saliba would make an effective target man for his side, Arteta added: "Can you imagine?"

A likelier option for Arsenal would be the recruiting of a free agent, who could be signed immediately, and Arteta admitted he is open to such a move.

"I'll explore every possible situation and make a decision from there," he concluded.

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