Arsenal’s search for a striker in the January transfer window has been slow and they are running out of time before the deadline.
So far the only movement for Arsenal in the market has been the likely outgoing of youngster Ayden Heaven to Manchester United.
Gooners fans are growing impatient as they continue to wait for their first title since the 2003/04 Invincibles Gunners continue to lack a clinical threat up top.
Arteta has spent largely on a defence that is now resolute but the drop in spending towards his front three is significant.
With Gabriel Jesus out with a long-term injury and Kai Havertz far from prolific, Arsenal are crying out for a goal machine to fire them to the title.
To keep us in the loop The Athletic’s, David Ornstein sat down with talkSPORT’s Jim White and Alex Crook to discuss Arsenal’s transfer window and who they could bring in.
Alexander Isak
Alexander Isak is ‘the apple of Mikel Arteta’s eyes’. according to Ornstein. but signing him is near impossible.
Arsenal were first linked with the Swede during his days as Martin Odegaard’s teammate at Real Sociedad.
But he completed a club-record £63m to Newcastle United in 2022 and has since become their main guy.
His worth has arguably doubled as he continues his red-hot form this season with 17 goals in the league.
Unfortunately for Arsenal fans he is “not available now, probably even in the summer,” said the Athletic reporter. “ If he was to move it would be too expensive. He’s at the centre of Newcastle’s project and they want to renew his contract.”
Benjamin Sesko
Another striker rumoured with the North London club is RB Leipzig player Benjamin Sesko.
The 6ft4in striker is a dominant physical figure who often uses his power to best defenders.
Fans are raving about his powerful striking and ability to reach heights unknown to most humans with his leaps.
Speaking on the Slovenian Ornstein said: “Sesko isn’t moving this month, maybe he’ll move in the summer. Can they get the finances together, who else will be in the frame for him, let’s wait and see?”
The 21-year-old currently has 12 goals in the Bundesliga and Champions League this season.
Viktor Gyokeres
Viktor Gyokeres was previously the talk of the town but a January move, not just to Arsenal, seems unlikely.
His goal record this season is insane with 34 goals but a return to England where he once played for Coventry City seems to be on pause.
“I don’t think he’s high on Arsenal’s agenda and I don’t think Arsenal are high on his agenda,” said Ornstein. “He’ll probably go elsewhere in the summer.”
He has also been linked to Manchester United but no major talks are underway.
Bryan Mbeumo
Attention to Bryan Mbeumo has exploded as he sits on 14 league goals as part of what seems a nostalgic Barclays strike partnership with Yoane Wissa.
Unlike the rest on this list Mbeumo is a winger, often playing off the right hand side.
That would be ideal for Arsenal as of now but when Saka returns from his hamstring issue the Cameroonian’s game time may be under threat.
Ornstein, talking about the 25-year-old said: “He’s not leaving Brentford this month. It would take something astronomical to change that. Maybe he’ll leave in the summer with two years to go [on his contract] it will still take a hefty fee.”
Dusan Vlahovic
“Yeah they’ve looked at him in the past but it wasn’t ever realistic in this window despite him having a bit of an issue at Juventus,” said Ornstein.
He was the craze during the 2022 transfer market but he moved from Fiorentina to Juventus.
Other options for teams looking for a striker on loan is Evan Ferguson but Arsenal have used their two domestic spots so he is not an option.
As reported by Ornstein a few days ago Arsenal are working on a deal to sign Sverre Nypan, an 18-year-old from Rosenborg, but “he is wanted by others” according to Ornstein.
Nico Williams is also a name that has gained traction as Arteta is a known admirer of the young Spaniard but that will not happen this month.
Reports also claim his wage demands of over £200,000 is too high.
Catch talkSPORT’s Transfer Notebook show with Jim White and Alex Crook on YouTube
