Mikel Arteta addresses Arsenal’s striking options ahead of Southampton

Mikel Arteta has been discussing his striking options ahead of Arsenal’s meeting with Southampton.

Arsenal take on Southampton at St Mary’s at 3 pm UK time on Saturday.

The match is a must-win for Arsenal if they are to have any hope of securing a top-four berth this season.

Southampton are 14^th in the league with 36 points from 31 games, meaning they are basically safe from relegation and have little left to play for this term.

Arsenal, meanwhile, are 5^th in the Premier League, three points off Tottenham with a game in hand.

This means that Arsenal can draw level on points with Spurs if they win said game in hand, but will remain 5^th due to their inferior goal difference.

As a result, Arsenal need to get back to winning ways this weekend and then hope they can get one over on Antonio Conte’s side when they meet at the end of the campaign.

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Arsenal’s striking options

However, though it is a key game, Arsenal may have to make do without a third senior player for the clash as Alexandre Lacazette, the Gunners’ only decent striking option at present, has missed three training sessions this week.

As a result, Arteta was asked about his other potential striking options for Saturday. When asked about Emile Smith Rowe’s ability to play as a false nine, Arteta had this to say:

“He’s not been completely fit to be training and playing every game, but it’s a possibility,” Arteta said. “It’s a position that I think he can fulfil in the future, but he needs training, and he needs experience in it.”

Then, when asked if Gabriel Martinelli can play as a striker, the Spaniard added: “We have many options, so you will see tomorrow.”

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