Arsenal increasingly likely to sign a forward this month following Gabriel Jesus injury – but who could they get? | OneFootball

Manager Mikel Arteta and the Arsenal board are increasingly likely to sanction the signing of a striker in the remaining two weeks of the January transfer window.

Why? Because they are lacking fit and available forwards at a time they are creating loads of chances and not taking them.

Let’s start by ruling out Newcastle United’s Aleksander Isak. Arsenal reportedly missed the chance to make a move from him in the summer, when they stated he would have to compete with Kai Havertz for the number nine role. The super Swede is now valued at well in excess of £100m and that is a bit rich even for a wealthy club such as Arsenal. Especially in January.

The significance of that missed deal has been amplified by a miserable week of home defeats by Newcastle and Manchester United. The anguish felt by Arsenal supporters has been compounded by the news Brazil forward Gabriel Jesus is the latest to join their long-term injury list. Jesus was being used to replace Bukayo Saka, who is out until March at the earliest. His previously best-suited replacement Ethan Nwaneri has also been sidelined.

Add significant spells out for Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu to the forward injury issues and Arteta’s trusty right hand side of his team has been decimated this season.

On that basis, they have done well to remain in contention at the top of the Premier League table and in the Champions League too. But that will not satisfy a fanbase with high expectations for success this season.

With the clock ticking on the window and Arsenal’s season, let’s take a look at who Arsenal might be able get into the club before it is too late. A new big-money player is no guarantee of success, but the argument is that it will give Arsenal a chance to remain competitive and show the necessary ambition.

VIKTOR GYOKORES

Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images) via ONE FOOTBALL

Sporting Lisbon’s former Coventry City forward, 26, is also coveted by his former boss Ruben Amorim at Manchester United. If United have not stitched up a deal already then Arsenal could do worse than make a take it or leave it move for the bustling Swedish goalscorer. Powerful and direct, he is just the sort of player who could become a focal point the Arsenal side badly lacks for a fee of around £70million, which is reported to be his release clause.

NICO WILLIAMS

Atletico Bilbao winger Nico Williams (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images) via ONE FOOTBALL

The versatile Athletic Bilbao winger has been on Mikel Arteta’s wish list for some time. Unfortunately, for Arsenal, the Spanish player is said to favour staying in Spain and switching to Barcelona. Money talks, however, and Arsenal could activate his €58M buyout clause if they are willing and able to pay it all in one hit this month.

MARCUS RASHFORD

Marcus Rashford looks set to move away from Man Utd (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images) via ONE FOOTBALL

The Manchester United striker is openly seeking a fresh start and could be available for as little as £40m. Italian clubs such as Juventus and AC Milan are interested, and Arsenal have not ruled out a move for the 27-year-old who could potentially still have the best years of his career ahead of him. As a left-sided player, he could be a perfect backup or even replacement for Gabriel Martinelli.

OLLIE WATKINS

Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) via ONE FOOTBALL

A left-field choice, maybe. The Aston Villa forward is having a difficult season since he has had to compete for a starting role under Unai Emery. Villa are said to need funds to satisfy their PSR status and a big offer could be enough to prise the England international away.

ADEMOLA LOOKMAN

Ademola Lookman has impressed for Atalanta (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images) via ONE FOOTBALL

The Atalanta frontman was recently voted the African Footballer of the Year having resurrected his career in Italy. At 27, he seems to be reaching his peak and Arteta has seen him close up in Champions League action this season. His hat-trick in May’s Europa League final crowned an excellent last season and it will take serious money to persuade the Italians to part with their star player.

VICTOR OSIMHEN

Victor Osimhen is on loan at Galatasaray (Photo by Ahmad Mora/Getty Images) via ONE FOOTBALL

The Napoli striker exiled in Turkey on loan at Galatasaray has seen his value fall since he was one of the world’s most talked about strikers in the summer transfer window. It might just be worth Arsenal splashing the cash to create a big-money loan deal for the remainder of the season.