Arsenal’s attacking options have suffered a blow with the news that Kai Havertz will spend time on the sidelines with a knee injury. David Ornstein has reported that the club are actively exploring the market for reinforcements as Mikel Arteta looks to strengthen his frontline before the window closes.

Here are three strikers Arsenal could realistically consider.

Nicolas Jackson

Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson has been available throughout the summer, with Manchester United, Newcastle and Aston Villa all showing interest. Arsenal have not been linked directly but his profile makes him worth discussing.

Jackson’s versatility is important. He can play through the middle or from the left and he already has Premier League experience which means he would not require time to adapt. Since arriving in England, he has scored 24 league goals and provided 10 assists which is a respectable return.

There are concerns, however. Discipline is an issue with 17 yellow cards and one red already to his name. That is not an attractive record for an attacking player, especially as Arsenal have had their own problems with red cards in recent years. The asking price of around £60 million is another problem and would make any deal difficult.

Ollie Watkins

Ollie Watkins was always likely to feature on this list. Arsenal showed serious interest in him back in January, but Aston Villa rejected a £40 million offer. With Arsenal now in greater need of a striker it is a situation that could be revisited, though it may depend on Villa signing a replacement.

Watkins has an excellent record. He has scored 75 goals and produced 36 assists in 185 Premier League appearances which shows both consistency and quality. He offers more than just finishing as his movement, creativity and link play would be valuable for an Arsenal side that has at times struggled to create clear chances from open play.

Any deal would probably require a fee in the region of £55 to £60 million. Arsenal would need to spend big if they wanted to secure a proven striker who is ready to deliver immediately.

Jorgen Strand Larsen

Another possible option is Wolves forward Jorgen Strand Larsen. He would be more suited to a rotation role rather than being a guaranteed starter which could appeal to Mikel Arteta.

Strand Larsen is an instinctive finisher who thrives in and around the penalty area. Arsenal’s current emphasis on set pieces would suit his poacher’s style, as he has the ability to react quickly to lose balls and finish from close range. His Scandinavian background could also help him settle quickly alongside Martin Odegaard, Viktor Gyokeres and Christian Norgaard.

The obstacle is the price. Wolves are thought to want around £65 million which would be a significant outlay for a player who may not start every game.

Final verdict

The final weeks of the window will be crucial for Arsenal. Whoever arrives will have the full backing of supporters but on footballing grounds Ollie Watkins stands out as the most suitable option. His combination of goals, creativity and Premier League experience would provide the balance Arsenal need while Havertz recovers.