Kai Havertz had suffered another injury setback, with the Arsenal forward forced off during Germany's Nations League clash against the Netherlands after just 30 minutes. The 27-year-old sustained a muscle strain and returned to Arsenal for further assessment, ruling him out of the remainder of Germany's international fixtures. While early reports suggest the problem may not be serious, the latest setback will inevitably raise concerns given Havertz's injury history since joining Arsenal.
Havertz has repeatedly struggled with injuries during his Arsenal career, while Viktor Gyökeres also does not appear to be Mikel Arteta's preferred option at centre-forward. That could eventually force Arsenal to consider another attacking addition, particularly if their current situation remains unchanged heading into 2027.
Here are five attackers Arsenal could realistically target.
5. Charalampos Kostoulas
Charalampos Kostoulas has emerged as one of the Premier League's most exciting young forwards, and his spectacular start to the 2026/27 campaign has made him an intriguing potential Arsenal target.
The 19-year-old has registered two goals and one assist in his first five Premier League appearances, but his most impressive performance came against Arsenal themselves. Kostoulas scored and assisted in Brighton's 3-0 victory over the reigning champions, causing problems for the Gunners throughout the match.
That performance could have caught Arteta's attention.
Kostoulas also fits Arsenal's apparent preference for signing young players with significant potential. Brighton have become an excellent source of talent for the Gunners in recent years, with Ben White and Leandro Trossard both making successful moves from the Seagulls to North London.
At just 19, Kostoulas could be another long-term project for Arteta to develop into an elite Premier League attacker.
4. Endrick
Endrick represents another fascinating possibility.
The Brazilian forward possesses enormous potential but has struggled to establish himself at Real Madrid, with limited opportunities making it difficult for him to build confidence and momentum.
That could create an opportunity for Arsenal.
Arteta has already demonstrated an ability to improve players' confidence and transform their performances. Havertz himself is arguably the best example. The German arrived at Arsenal with significant doubts surrounding his form and confidence but eventually became an important part of Arteta's team.
Endrick could benefit from a similar environment.
There is no serious question about the 19-year-old's potential. His explosiveness, finishing ability and technical quality have made him one of the most highly rated young forwards in world football. What he needs most is regular football, confidence and a manager willing to trust him.
A move to Arsenal could provide exactly that.
3. Eli Junior Kroupi
Another player Arsenal could continue monitoring is Bournemouth's Eli Junior Kroupi.
The French forward was already attracting interest from several major European clubs following an outstanding first full Premier League campaign. Kroupi scored 13 goals in 33 appearances last season, establishing himself as one of the most exciting young attackers in English football. Arsenal were among the clubs reportedly interested in him.
Unfortunately, Kroupi's development has suffered a temporary setback after he underwent surgery on a fractured metatarsal and was expected to spend several months on the sidelines.
That injury could make a future transfer more complicated, but it should not completely change Arsenal's assessment of his ability.
At only 19, Kroupi has plenty of time to recover and continue developing. His movement, finishing and ability to operate across the frontline make him exactly the kind of young attacker Arteta could mould into a world-class star.
If he returns from injury strongly, Arsenal could revisit their interest in 2027.
2. Victor Osimhen
Victor Osimhen would be the more established option on this list.
Arsenal were linked with the Nigerian striker during the 2026 summer transfer window, although no serious move materialised. Nevertheless, his availability could make him an option worth reconsidering if Arteta decides that Arsenal needs an experienced, proven goalscorer.
Osimhen has already demonstrated his ability to score consistently at the highest level. His physical strength, pace, aerial ability and penalty-box instincts would give Arsenal a different dimension in attack.
There is, however, one major question.
Is Osimhen actually the type of striker Arteta wants?
The Nigerian is at his best when he can attack space, use his physicality and operate as a traditional No. 9. Arsenal's attack under Arteta has often demanded more versatility and combination play from its centre-forward.
That does not mean Osimhen would be a poor fit. Quite the opposite. But Arsenal would have to decide whether his profile matches the exact type of forward Arteta wants before making another major investment.
1. Julián Álvarez
Julián Álvarez could currently be the most attractive option of all.
Arsenal were heavily interested in the Argentine during the 2026 transfer window, and the situation could become even more favourable for the Gunners after Barcelona cooled their interest in the Atlético Madrid forward.
With Barcelona seemingly moving in another direction, Arsenal could potentially find themselves as the clearest suitors if Álvarez eventually decides that his future lies away from Madrid.
The Argentine would also tick almost every box for Arteta.
Álvarez can operate as a centre-forward, second striker or attacking midfielder, possesses excellent technical ability and is capable of leading the press. His versatility would allow Arteta to use him in multiple attacking roles rather than simply as a traditional No. 9.
More importantly, Álvarez has already proven himself at the highest level.
If Arsenal still need a new attacking leader in 2027, and Barcelona remains uninterested, the Gunners could have a relatively clear path to the Argentine.
Arsenal have plenty of options for 2027
Havertz's latest injury does not necessarily mean Arsenal need to panic and sign another forward immediately. However, his recurring fitness problems and Gyökeres' apparent lack of favour with Arteta could eventually force the club to reassess its attacking options.
Kostoulas and Kroupi represent exciting long-term projects, while Endrick could be a fascinating reclamation opportunity. Osimhen would provide proven goalscoring quality, but Álvarez may ultimately offer the best combination of experience, versatility and potential.
If Arsenal are searching for an elite attacker in 2027, Arteta will certainly have no shortage of options.