The main focus of Arsenal heading into the January transfer window is to strengthen their forward line, with Mikel Arteta aiming to add more firepower to his squad.
The Gunners are determined to make it third time lucky in their pursuit of the Premier League title after coming close in the past two seasons.
However, they remain behind Liverpool in the race, and the lack of a prolific goalscorer is seen as one of the team’s vulnerabilities.
The injury to Bukayo Saka further tests Arteta’s squad depth, making the need for a new forward even more pressing.
Arteta is expected to receive financial backing and is closely monitoring a number of domestic and international players as he seeks to reinforce his frontline, where Kai Havertz is currently the team’s top league scorer with seven goals.
Several current Premier League stars are on Arteta’s radar, with Newcastle’s Alexander Isak highly regarded at the Emirates.
The Swedish forward has long been a target for Arsenal, but the Magpies are reluctant to part with him in January, especially given his impressive form.
It is understood that they value Isak at over £150million, though Arsenal may revisit the move in the summer, depending on whether Newcastle qualify for the Champions League and how that impacts their finances.
Wolves’ Matheus Cunha, a standout performer for his team this season, and Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford are also reportedly on Arsenal’s shortlist.
However, Brentford are unlikely to entertain offers for Mbeumo in the middle of the season, given his importance to the side.
Looking abroad, Arsenal is said to be considering a potential move for Leroy Sané, the Bayern Munich winger who previously excelled at Manchester City, winning multiple league titles before his move to Germany.
However, Sané has struggled for consistent minutes at Bayern, and his high wages could pose a challenge for Arsenal.
Additionally, Sané’s preference to play on the right-wing, the same position as Saka, may complicate any potential move.
RB Leipzig’s young striker Benjamin Sesko, who has attracted interest from several top clubs, including Manchester United, could be available in the summer, with Leipzig likely to demand a significant fee.
Another player on Arteta’s radar is Nico Williams of Athletic Bilbao, who impressed during Euro 2024 with a goal against England in the final.
Despite a summer where Bilbao managed to keep hold of him, Williams reportedly has a £50 million release clause, and Arsenal are among his admirers.
Arsenal also have an interest in Real Madrid’s Arda Güler, a promising Turkish teenager who, despite limited playing time, is seen as a key part of the Spanish giants’ future plans.
Additionally, Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz is another player on Arsenal’s watchlist, with many top clubs likely to pursue the midfielder if he leaves the German club.
Read more: Manchester United among host of clubs interested in signing Barcelona’s Dani Olmo
How significant is January for Liverpool
Jamie Carragher hits out at Trent Alexander Arnold and his agents for Real Madrid reports
