Mikel Arteta asked the Arsenal board for reinforcements on numerous occasions during the January transfer window following injuries to Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka. The Gunners were heavily linked with some big names before finally submitting a bid – albeit in the final days – for Ollie Watkins.

Football.london understands Arsenal made Aston Villa a proposal worth £40m, plus add-ons, for the 29-year-old striker. Unai Emery's side rejected the offer, demanding £60m for Watkins' signature.

It's understood that Watkins was keen on the idea of a move to the Emirates Stadium and, had the two Premier League outfits agreed on a deal, he would have made the switch. But, unfortunately for Arteta, Arsenal fell short – which could prove costly in the title race.

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While the transfer window has slammed shut, the Gunners could still make a signing. So, with that being said, football.london has looked at the free agents Arsenal can sign in a last-ditch effort to bolster Arteta's side.

Diego Costa

Arsenal could ruffle a few feathers at Stamford Bridge and go for Diego Costa on a free transfer. The 36-year-old striker, who spent four-and-a-half years at Chelsea, saw his contract at Gremio expire in January.

Last year, Costa featured 26 times for the Brazilian club across all competitions, scoring eight goals and providing five assists. While the former Blues wouldn't be quite as impactful as Viktor Gyokeres or Alexander Isak, he'd bring great experience, tenacity and steel to Emirates Stadium.

Lucas Perez

Who doesn't love a reunion? Perez left Deportivo La Coruña last month due to family reasons, and he's without a club. While the exact details of his departure are unknown, Arsenal could offer the 36-year-old striker a route back into top-flight football.

Perez, who spent two years at the Emirates Stadium, has featured 29 times in the Spanish second division this season, scoring four goals and providing four assists. The Spaniard may not be the most attractive option, but that's the price the Gunners must pay for not splashing the cash in January.

Mariano Diaz

Diaz has been without a club since July 2024 following the expiration of his contract at Sevilla. The 31-year-old striker is probably the best option on the free agent market, having previously played for Real Madrid and Olympique Lyonnais.

He was superb for Los Blancos' B team back in the day, securing himself a loan in the French top-flight. During the 2017/18 campaign, Diaz scored 18 goals in 34 Ligue 1 games and, upon his return to the Santiago Bernabeu, he was – albeit for only 12 months – given the iconic number seven shirt.