“He scored a lot of goals,” Mikel Arteta reacts to William Saliba’s HILARIOUS offer to fill in as striker

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta reacted to center-back William Saliba's humorous offer to fill in as a striker, amid the club's injury crisis.

“He scored a lot of goals,” Mikel Arteta reacts to William Saliba’s HILARIOUS offer to fill in as striker

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta responded to William Saliba's request to fill in as a center-forward for the team. (via BBC)

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta hilariously revealed that club center-back William Saliba has volunteered to solve the team’s increasing attacking worries. The Frenchman has jokingly made himself available to start as a center-forward, amid Arsenal’s mounting injury crisis.

The Gunners have been dealt a major blow in the race to the Premier League title, as they have to comply the rest of the season without a designated center-forward. Kai Havertz, who has scored 15 times this season, recently suffered a season-ending hamstring injury, during the club’s training camp in Dubai. He joins Brazilian striker Gabriel Jesus, who has also been ruled out due to an ACL injury.

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Four of Arsenal’s top scorers this season are set to remain sidelined. First-choice wingers Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli are also among them. This leaves manager Mikel Arteta with only three fit forwards. The list includes Leandro Trossard, Raheem Sterling and 17-year-old youngster Ethan Nwaneri. Amid the crisis, defender William Saliba has jokingly put himself forward to start playing up-front.

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Responding to the 23-year-old center-back’s request, Mikel Arteta noted the players’ attitude in his squad, during tough times as such. The Spaniard pointed to Saliba’s humor, revealing that he offered to play as a striker, despite the challenges associated with it. Moreover, he revealed that the Frenchman used to score a lot of goals when he played up front, during his younger days, similar to many others in the side.

Willy is so funny. Straight away it was one of his reactions [to offer to play upfront]. It’s true as well that he played there. He used to score a lot of goals.

Mikel Arteta on William Saliba’s response (H/T Evening Standard)

Nonetheless, Arsenal will be hoping to keep their season campaign on track. Mikel Arteta is reportedly willing to explore every possible option in the attack. However, should Arsenal falter, the manager’s decision to not sign a forward in the January transfer window will be questioned.

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Mikel Arteta rejects free agent fix for Arsenal’s attacking crisis

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta will be battling through a striker injury crisis until the end of the ongoing season. Moreover, he has decided against any quick fixes in the middle of the season, to solve the unending injury crisis.

Mikel Arteta attacker replacements
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has opted against signing a new forward, in the middle of the season. (via Football London)

Following Kai Havertz’s recent injury, the Gunners lack options up front. With the transfer window now closed, Arteta’s only option is to bring in a free agent, as an emergency cover. However, recent reports suggest the Spaniard has opted against it, despite ex-Chelsea forward Diego Costa, former Real Madrid striker Mariano Diaz and Maxi Gomez emerging as options.

Additional reports suggested that Mikel Arteta has reintegrated his focus on signing new players in the upcoming summer transfer window. Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi and Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins will be Arsenal’s top targets.