Arsenal are halfway through the January transfer window with an area of their squad in dire need of reinforcements.
After long-term injuries to Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus, the latter tearing his ACL in the weekend defeat to Manchester United in the FA Cup, Arsenal will have to consider strengthening their forward line during the winter window.
The Gunners have long been questioned for their inability to recruit a complete centre-forward, and Kai Havertz’s recent dip in form exemplifies their need for an orthodox number nine. Splashing the cash seems less of a luxury and more of a necessity after injuries and general creative woes this term.
Here are six forwards arsenal might try to move in january.
Alexander Isak
There are no secrets about Arsenal’s interest in Newcastle United shot-stopper Alexander Isak. The Swedish dynamo, who has previously been compared to Gunners legend Thierry Henry, has long been touted with a move to north London, and his sensational 2024/25 form has only fueled discussions over his future .
Isak has produced 15 goals and four assists in 22 appearances for the Magpies this season as he looks to improve on his combined 27 G/A total from last season. The powerful, quick and agile forward has scored in both meetings – or perhaps auditions – with Arsenal this season.
Signing Isak will not be an easy task. Newcastle reportedly value the 25-year-old at £150ma tariff that will deter most of Europe’s elite. January may be too early for such a move, especially with Arsenal in a weak negotiating position.
Victor Gyokeres
Another Swede Arsenal have admired for a long time is Viktor Gyokeres, who has flourished himself. one of the most devastating strikers in the world from his move to Sporting CP in 2023. The former Brighton & Hove Albion striker produced 43 goals and 14 assists in 50 appearances during his debut campaign in Lisbon, a tally he could improve on this season.
Gyokeres shares similarities with Isak in terms of his pace and raw physicality, although he has a thicker frame. The price may not be as high, but it will still make eyes water in North London, with It needs approximately £70-90 million reward the 26-year-old from the current Portuguese champions.
Although Gyokeres is unproven in the Premier League, he possesses the physicality and ruthlessness needed to thrive in the world’s fiercest division. Five goals in six Champions League games, including a hat-trick against Manchester City, shows his ability to tangle with the continent’s elite.
Benjamin Sesko
Arsenal’s desire to attack reinforcements is nothing new. Benjamin Sesko was the club’s main target early last summer, however he quickly signed a contract extension with RB Leipzig which made the move to the Premier League unfeasible.
At just 21 years old, the Slovenian striker has yet to command games in the same way as his position mates, but has provided steady numbers early in his career. He scored 18 for Leipzig last season, a respectable tally despite some rough edges.
Arsenal would pay for the potential with Sesko. He is already a good striker but has the ability to develop into a new world number one at the Emirates. Quick, mobile and capable of unleashing venomous efforts, the £50m-£70m fee could prove prohibitive for Arsenal in January.
Jonathan David
Only Robert Lewandowksi, Harry Kane and Erling Haaland scored more goals in Europe’s top five leagues than Lille star Jonathan David in 2024. The Canada international produced 36 in the calendar year, the same number as Kylian Mbappe and seven more than Mohamed Salah and Cole Palmer. .
The only reason the 24-year-old is considered a ‘low-cost’ option in January is because his the contract expires this summer. That factor could play into Arsenal’s hands, with Lille likely to accept an offer of around £20m-£25m this month as they look to recoup funds for the red-hot striker.
While Arsenal could wait and sign David for the summer, putting the money in in January would allow them to jump the queue and give them one of Europe’s deadliest centre-forwards for the second half of the season while they are looking to end their trophy drought. .
Santiago Gimenez
If Mikel Arteta wants a recommendation on Santiago Gimenez, all he has to do is call Liverpool manager Arne Slot. The Dutchman helped nurture the Feyenoord striker during their time together in Rotterdam, with 49 goals scored in their last two seasons.
The tall, powerful centre-forward lacks the glamor and athleticism of Isak, Gyokeres and Sesko, but is a clinical presence and a centre-forward with bags of potential. At just 23, the Mexico international has plenty of time to work out any kinks.
Of course, the Eredivisie has a mixed record when it comes to producing Premier League-level talent, but Arsenal could be quickly rewarded if they go for Gimenez. The forward almost joined Nottingham Forest in the summer and would likely be a significantly cheaper alternative than others on the Gunners’ wishlist.
Liam Delap
After three Championship loan spells with varying levels of success, Liam Delap finally secured a permanent move to Ipswich Town from Man City in the summer. Newly-promoted Tractor Boys took a chance on the £20m centre-back and the 21-year-old could prove his savior at the end of the season.
Delap, son of former Stoke City player Rory, has scored eight goals in his first half-season with Ipswich and has caught the eye with a no-nonsense attacking approach. The towering forward, who runs into the center backs like a battering ram, has given the league’s best defenders difficult afternoons.
January could come too soon for Delap and Arsenal – if the Gunners are interested in the youngster, of course – with Ipswich unlikely to sanction an exit under any circumstances. Still, it’s one that would tick a number of boxes for the Gunners.
