Arsenal’s search for striker targets is set to heat up over the coming weeks with the January transfer window now open.
Mikel Arteta’s men have been linked with a number of potential signings this month, but top of the list must surely be a new goalscorer.
The Gunners have slipped to fourth in the Premier League table after back-to-back defeats. They lost 2-1 at Fulham last time out, and were beaten 2-0 at home by West Ham.
They haven’t won in the league since they overcame Brighton 2-0 on 17 December. And a big problem for them has been up front.
Arsenal haven’t had a proper striker to rely on recently. They have the second-best defence in the league, letting in just 20 goals, but their 37 scored so far is only the seventh-best in the top flight.
An unwanted record for Arsenal 😬
This is the first time on record a Premier League team has had 77 touches in the opposition box without scoring.#ARSWHU pic.twitter.com/UH0Sfa7jTu
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) December 28, 2023
It’s clear that Arsenal’s problems lie in the attacking third of the field. They are getting the ball into dangerous areas, but don’t have a world-class finisher to put the ball in the net.
As a result, we can expect the majority of their movement in the market to be around bringing in at least one more striker this January.
Will Arsenal Sign Anyone In January?
It certainly seems likely that Arsenal will dip into the transfer market again this month.
Last January, they spent more than £50 million on new arrivals. Leandro Trossard from Brighton and Jorginho from Chelsea were two Premier League switches, while Jakub Kiwior joined from Serie A side Spezia Calcio.
There was already an expectation that Arsenal may bring in a striker in this window, but with their form dipping in recent weeks, it seems almost a certainty that Arteta will act quickly.
Arsenal Striker Targets
There are several Arsenal striker targets who could be making their way to the Emirates before the window closes at the end of the month.
It’s no secret that Arsenal are in the market for a new front-man due to their lack of bite up front. Brentford striker Ivan Toney is among the favourites to join the North London side.
With 20 goals in 33 games last season, Toney was the third-highest scorer in the Premier League last season. As a result, it is believed a fee of around £100 million may be required by Brentford.
.@David_Ornstein on Ivan Toney [@BBCSport]– Brentford would like £100m this January
– There's been no real contact/movement from interested clubs
– Arsenal's striker targets would be a more summer move than January for financial reasons— Z (@ZRAFC) December 30, 2023
David Ornstein’s latest Arsenal update certainly doesn’t suggest a move is imminent. Any Ivan Toney Arsenal move could well be a loan offer at first, if his club will consider it.
With financial constraints meaning Arsenal may not be able to splash £100 million on a striker this Janaury, they could be forced to look elsewhere if Brentford are not willing to lower their fee.
Another consideration is that with Toney not playing in eight months after his suspension for breaching betting regulations, Arsenal may seek a striker who has been playing more regularly.
One name that has been thrown around recently is that of Bournemouth’s Dominic Solanke. The Cherries’ main man has 69 goals in 196 games on the South Coast, and has been linked with a move to the Emirates.
Dominic Solanke or Ivan Toney 🤔
Which striker should Arsenal sign in January? #BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/M0FAdUjIPm
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) December 29, 2023
Outside of the Premier League, Mexican international Santiago Gimenez is another potential Arsenal striker target. The Feyenoord forward already has 18 goals in 16 Eredivisie appearances this season.
His form has alerted many clubs across Europe, with several sources tipping him to be joining Arsenal.
Arsenal Transfer Rumours
As for other Arsenal transfer rumours, there are several players linked besides strikers. One such name is French right-back Sacha Boey.
The Galatasaray man has bags of potential. At 23, he is already a Champions League goalscorer after netting against Copenhagen in this year’s competition.
In midfield, Douglas Luiz of Aston Villa has been touted as Arteta’s top target. Luiz has been massive for Unai Emery in helping Villa to second in the table.
The Brazilian already has seven goals and five assists for his side and would undoubtedly be a superb signing.
🔴⚪️ Douglas Luiz remains Arsenal fav option as midfielder, he’s considered the perfect player.
…but Aston Villa remain on their position as they don’t want to sell Douglas. 🇧🇷
No changes since November, yet. https://t.co/kPLmjCp8Ws
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 20, 2023
But as Fabrizio Romano confirmed, not all of Arsenal’s transfer targets will be easily available. It seems highly unlikely that Villa would sell to a direct rival in the middle of a title race.
And finally, while most pundits have Victor Osimhen moving to Chelsea, he has still been linked to Arsenal. The Napoli star has scored 105 goals in just 209 senior club appearances, a phenomenal return.
While unlikely at this stage, the Nigerian international would be an incredible signing for Arsenal. Osimhen is exactly the kind of striker they need, and would bring considerable firepower to the Emirates.
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