Arsenal target 2 Premier League forwards for January transfer | OneFootball

Arsenal are preparing to strengthen their attacking options in the January transfer window in a bid to maintain pressure on Manchester City at the top of the Premier League.

The Gunners have reportedly set their sights on two Premier League forwards: Aston Villa‘s Jhon Durán and Brentford‘s Bryan Mbeumo.

Both players have attracted significant interest due to their impressive starts to the season, and Arsenal are keen to add depth to their squad to keep pace with their title rivals.

BARRANQUILLA, COLOMBIA – OCTOBER 15: Jhon Duran of Colombia celebrates after scoring the team’s third goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 South American Qualifier match between Colombia and Chile at Roberto Melendez Metropolitan Stadium on October 15, 2024 in Barranquilla, Colombia. (Photo by Gabriel Aponte/Getty Images)

Jhon Durán, the young Colombian striker currently tied to Aston Villa until 2030, is the more ambitious of Arsenal’s targets.

The 20-year-old has made an immediate impact in the Premier League, netting four goals in his first eight games of the campaign with seven in 12 in all competitions.

His blend of speed, physicality, and finishing ability has put him at the top of Arsenal’s shortlist, although the North London club will face stiff competition from FC Barcelona, among others.

Despite Barcelona’s interest, Arsenal are believed to be in a favourable position to complete the deal, according to reports from Mail Sport and Fichajes.

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 22: Jhon Duran of Aston Villa celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD3 match between Aston Villa FC and Bologna FC 1909 at Villa Park on October 22, 2024 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

Durán’s situation at Villa is not without complications. The Colombian recently signed a new contract with a substantial pay rise, but tensions have reportedly emerged within the squad.

During their recent Champions League clash against Bologna, Durán displayed visible frustration when substituted for Ollie Watkins after scoring a crucial goal, leading to an incident in which he kicked and punched the seats before storming down the tunnel.

The 20-year-old’s frustration was evident, and it is understood that Unai Emery‘s challenge will be managing the competing ambitions of both Durán and Watkins as Villa continue to progress in Europe. These internal dynamics could work in Arsenal’s favour, as the Gunners hope to capitalise on any discord at Villa Park.

However, Aston Villa are unlikely to let Durán leave without a fight.

Chelsea already attempted to sign him during the summer transfer window, but Villa rejected their advances. It is expected that Arsenal would need to put forward a significant offer—at least €50 million—to lure Durán away from Birmingham. He cost them €16.64m in January 2023.

Durán’s ability to score goals at crucial moments, combined with his physical presence, would make him an ideal addition to Arsenal’s forward line, providing an additional edge in their pursuit of silverware this season.

Alongside Durán, Arsenal are also reportedly targeting Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, whose own form has not gone unnoticed by several top Premier League clubs.

BRENTFORD, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 28: Bryan Mbeumo of Brentford during the Premier League match between Brentford FC and West Ham United FC at Brentford Community Stadium on September 28, 2024 in Brentford, England. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

Mbeumo, 25, has been in scintillating form this season, netting six goals in his first eight league matches, placing him second only to Erling Haaland in the scoring charts. His goal-scoring ability, combined with his versatility—able to operate as a winger, a central striker, or in a supporting role—has made him a highly attractive prospect for Mikel Arteta‘s side.

According to Football Insider, Arsenal’s recruitment team sees Mbeumo as a player who could slot seamlessly into their attacking setup, offering flexibility and depth. His ability to play across the front line is particularly appealing, given Arsenal’s need for cover in multiple attacking positions.

With Newcastle also reportedly interested in the Cameroon international, Arsenal may need to act quickly to secure Mbeumo’s signature. A fee in the region of £40 million is thought to be sufficient to tempt Brentford into selling, though Arsenal will face competition from other suitors.

BRENTFORD, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 28: Bryan Mbeumo of Brentford during the Premier League match between Brentford FC and West Ham United FC at Brentford Community Stadium on September 28, 2024 in Brentford, England. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

Arsenal’s interest in both Durán and Mbeumo underscores their intent to strengthen their squad depth as they look to challenge for the Premier League title.

With Manchester City setting the standard once again this season, the Gunners know that adding quality reinforcements in January could be the difference in a title race that looks set to go down to the wire.

Whether Arsenal can convince both or either player to make the switch to the Emirates remains to be seen, but their pursuit of these two in-form forwards signals a determined approach to staying in contention at the top of the table.