Arsenal find themselves midway through the January transfer window with a part of their squad in urgent need of reinforcements.
After long-term injuries to Bukaya 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 failing to sign an outstanding centre-forward, with Kai Havertz’s recent dip in form showing their need for an orthodox number nine. Spending money seems less like a luxury and more like a necessity after the injuries and general creative problems of this period.
Here are six strikers Arsenal could try to move in January.
Alexander Isak
There are no secrets surrounding Arsenal’s interest in Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak. The Swedish dynamo, who was previously compared to Gunners legend Thierry Henry, has long boasted of a move to north London, and his sensational form in the 2024/25 season. it only increased the debate about his future.
Isak has contributed 15 goals and four assists in 22 appearances for the Magpies this term and looks set to improve on his tally of 27 combined G/A from last term. The strong, quick and agile striker has scored in both meetings – or perhaps auditions – with Arsenal this season.
Signing Isak will not be easy at all. Newcastle reportedly value the 25-year-old at a staggering £150mfees that will dissuade most of the European elite. January could prove too early for such a move, especially with Arsenal in a weak negotiating position.
Viktor Gyokeres
Another Swede Arsenal have long admired is Viktor Gyokeres, who himself flourished in the one of the world’s most destructive strikers from a move to Sporting CP in 2023 The former Brighton & Hove Albion striker scored 43 goals and provided 14 assists in 50 appearances during his debut campaign in Lisbon – a tally that could be bettered this term.
Gyokeres shares similarities with Isak in terms of his pace and raw physicality, although he boasts a stockier body. The price may not be that high, but it will still bring tears to the eyes of North London, s approximately £70-90 million required to win the 26-year-old from the reigning Portuguese champions.
While Gyokeres remains untested in the Premier League, he possesses the stature and ruthlessness needed to thrive in the hottest league in the world. Five goals in six Champions League games – including a hat-trick against Manchester City – proves his ability to rub shoulders with the continent’s elite.
Benjamin Šeško
Arsenal’s desire for attacking reinforcements is nothing new. Benjamin Šesko was allegedly the main target of the club at the beginning of last summer, but he quickly signed a contract extension with RB Leipzig this made a move to the Premier League unfeasible.
At just 21 years old, the Slovenian forward has yet to lead games in exactly the same way as his positional peers, but he has secured steady numbers early in his career. He scored 18 with Leipzig last season, a respectable tally despite some rough edges.
Arsenal would pay for the potential with Cesko. He is already a good striker but has the ability to turn into a world number nine at the Emirates. Quick, mobile and capable of unleashing venomous efforts, a fee of between £50-70m could prove too steep for Arsenal in January.
Jonathan David
Only Robert Lewandowski, Harry Kane and Erling Haaland have scored more goals in Europe’s top five leagues than Lille star Jonathan David in 2024. The Canadian international scored 36 goals in the calendar year, the same number as Kylian Mbappe and seven more than Mohamed Salah and Cole Palmer.
The only reason why the 24-year-old is considered a ‘cheap’ option in January is the fact that his contract expires this summer. Such a factor could play into Arsenal’s hands, with Lille likely to accept an offer of around £20-25m this month as they look to recoup funds for the red-hot striker.
While Arsenal could wait and sign David for nothing this summer, investing money in January would allow them to jump the queue and offer them one of Europe’s most lethal centre-forwards for the second half of the season as they look to end their trophy drought.
Santiago Gimenez
If Mikel Arteta wants a recommendation for Santiago Gimenez, he only needs to call Liverpool manager Arne Sloto. The Dutchman helped nurture the Feyenoord striker during their time together in Rotterdam, scoring 49 goals in the last two seasons.
The tall and powerful centre-forward lacks the glamor and athleticism of Isak, Gyokeres and Sesko, but is a clinical presence and centre-forward with bags of potential. At only 23 years old, the Mexican representative has enough time to smooth out all the shortcomings.
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 gamble on Gimenez. The forward almost joined Nottingham Forest in the summer and would likely be a significantly cheaper alternative to others on the Gunners’ wishlist.
Liam Delap
After three loan spells in the Championship with varying levels of success, Liam Delap eventually secured a permanent move to Ipswich Town from Man City in the summer. The newly promoted Tractor Boys have taken a chance on the £20million powerhouse and the 21-year-old could prove to be their savior at the end of the season.
Delap, the son of former Stoke City player Rory, scored eight goals in his first half-season with Ipswich and caught the eye with his no-nonsense attacking approach. Burrowing through the centre-backs like a battering ram, the imposing striker gave the league’s best defenders a tough few afternoons.
January could come too soon for Delap and Arsenal – if the Gunners are interested in the youngster, of course – with Ipswich unlikely to approve a move under any circumstances. However, he is one to tick a few boxes for the Gunners.
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