Arsenal fans keen on signing 72-cap free agent who thrives when ‘things are tough’ as Kai Havertz cover

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal have found themselves in a difficult position in wake of Kai Havertz being ruled out for the rest of the season.

Arsenal have confirmed that Havertz suffered a hamstring injury at their warm-weather training camp in Dubai, and that it will require surgery in the coming days.

‘Soon after surgery, Kai will begin his recovery and rehabilitation programme, which is expected to extend into pre-season preparations for next season,’ Arsenal said in a statement.

With the transfer window now shut, the Gunners now have to rely on their current first-team squad, promote from Arsenal’s academy, or look at the free agent market for Havertz cover.

A number of Arsenal fans have now expressed their interest and openness in moving for a 72-cap striker who is currently without a club.

READ MORE: Paul Merson says Arsenal youngster could now become a ‘superstar’ as Kai Havertz replacement

Arsenal fans keen on Carlos Vela return

The player in question is Carlos Vela, who has enjoyed a fruitful career since leaving Arsenal in 2012.

The 35-year-old came through the ranks at Arsenal, taking in a number of loans before joining Real Sociedad for around £10million in 2012.

Vela has been a free agent since the start of the year, when he left MLS club Los Angeles FC.

And a fair few Arsenal fans would be keen – or at the very least open – to bringing him in.

“We literally don’t have 1 fit senior attacker who can come off the bench if we need a goal,” one fan wrote on X. “There isn’t a single negative to this.”

Another said: “I don’t see how signing him to a 6 month deal would hurt our summer dealings or hurt the squad while we make the final push of the season.

“No fee. Low wages. Why not?”

Another fan wrote: “We don’t expect great things from free transfers… we need just bodies to fill, otherwise our current forwards will get injured by overplaying them.

“Arteta please… I know you don’t like passengers… but for the sake of our players health please grant permission to sign one.”

And another supporter tagged Arsenal and wrote: “Arsenal please do something sensible for once.”

How Vela has fared since leaving Arsenal

Vela has enjoyed a fruitful career at the upper levels of the game, making over 600 appearances for club and country, and registering over 300 goals and assists.

He has won two Gold Cups with Mexico, along with an Under-17 World Cup, along with a MLS Cup and two Supporters’ Shields with LAFC.

In addition, Vela was the MLS MVP in 2018-19 as he scored 34 goals during the campaign.

“He knows, he’s aware that we all look at him when things are tough and especially in big games,” former teammate Ilie Sanchez said of Vela, as per the MLS website.

“So, he sets the tone for the team, for the fans, for the atmosphere here at the stadium and we all follow him.”