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(Credit: Imago)
Jack Heath
Wed 20 August 2025 21:00, UK
Kai Havertz is set to be sidelined yet again by injury as Mikel Arteta frantically scurries to find a new striker replacement.
Arsenal started the season off with a nervy 1-0 victory over Man United as the Gunners put 11 men behind the ball in order to protect the narrow advantage.
The major talking point of the game was how poor Viktor Gyokeres was in his league debut as the Swede struggled to make an impact in 60 minutes.
The ex-Sporting CP weapon did not pack a punch as he was replaced for the final 30 minutes by Havertz up top.
However, it now appears the north London outfit are going to have to hope their new signing can hit-the-ground-running against Leeds as the German will likely be unable to feature in the next match.
Quite possibly, the Gunners will have to dip into the market to find another striking option.
The Germany international looks to be out for a significant period of time (Credit: Imago)
According to a report by The Athletic (20 August), the former Chelsea attacker suffered a knee injury, missing an open training session this morning.
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For a player who has been plagued by injuries during his spell at the Emirates, the latest issue could see him sidelined for a lengthy period of time – although the prognosis is still unclear.
This nightmare scenario will likely push Arteta to explore the transfer market and data from FBRef has indicated the Spaniard will not have to look far to find a replacement.
I present to you Raul Jimenez of Fulham, a more than capable goal scorer who is simply on the other side of London.
What’s not to like?
Fresh off scoring in Mexico’s Gold Cup winning final, the former Wolves man scored more goals than the German last season, mostly thanks to his impeccable bill of health.
The Mexican presents himself as a potential option to cover for Havertz (Credit: Imago)
The 34-year-old netted on 14 occasions domestically, starting 31 of 43 games while contending with striking competition Rodrigo Muniz.
The number seven is also workman-like front man, averaging 2.89 ball recoveries per-90 to Havertz’s 1.97, an ideal asset for Arteta in what he demands from his forward.
On top of the defensive acumen the Spaniard requires from his main striker, the former Benfica made 1.61 tackles and interceptions per match, surpassing Havertz’s 1.05.
Moreover, Fulham’s number seven got more involved in front of goal, averaging 2.38 shot-creating actions per-90 compared to the ex-Bayer Leverkusen attacker’s 2.02.
Plus, with just one-year on his contract, the Latin American could be snatched at a discounted price with his reported market value sitting at €5million (£4.3m) (Transfermarkt).
Domestic stats 2024-25Raul JimenezKai HavertzAppearances (starts)43 (31)28 (24)Minutes played2,6852,249Goals1411Assists33(Source: FBRef)
Importantly, one of the main reasons Jimenez would almost certainly consider a move to Arsenal would be over the current situation of his fierce striking competitor Rodrigo Muniz.
The 24-year-old has been subject to interest from Leeds, Newcastle and Atalanta this window yet sources have told Football Insider that Fulham are preparing new contract talks with Muniz.
The Brazilian, like the Mexican, is in the final year of his current deal, yet with a 10-year age gap, Marco Silva clearly sees the number nine as his first-choice striker moving forward.
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This will likely make Jimenez feel dejected and neglected by the Cottagers, opening up an easy entry point for the Gunners to swoop in and sign the former Wolves star.
It could be a season-long loan to cover Havertz’s absence or on a permanent basis, but given that Fulham evidently do not want to extend the 34-year-old’s contract, they very well may give the green light for the move.
With just under two weeks left of the summer transfer window, the Spanish manager has to act fast to snap up a back-up striker to Gyokeres and with Premier League experience and a reputable goal scoring record, Jimenez could be his man.
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