Time is running out for Arsenal to add some much-needed firepower to their squad as we enter the final two weeks of the transfer window.
Mikel Arteta desperately wants to bolster his forward line after long-term injuries to key duo Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus. The Gunners boss is seriously short of attacking options and after losing more ground on leaders Liverpool at the weekend, additions are urgently required to salvage any attempt at winning the Premier League this season.
A number of big names have been linked with moves to the Emirates, but it remains to be seen how much the North London club would be willing to shell out to solve their injury crisis. Recruitment chiefs have been scouring the globe for new talent, but with the clock ticking down, Arteta hopes to parade his first January signing sooner rather than later. Here, Record Sport brings you the six burning transfer headlines.
Victor Osimhen
Napoli superstar Osimhen reportedly features high up on a list of targets for Mikel Arteta.
The Nigerian striker has enjoyed an impressive season on loan at Galatasaray, showcasing his quality with 14 goals and six assists in just 18 appearances for the Turkish league leaders. But the 26-year-old faces an uncertain future upon his return to Naples this summer after a bitter fall-out with Antonio Conte.
The Gunners are said to be monitoring his situation and could launch a move this month, with Manchester United also linked. And according to Turkish journalist Haber Sari Kirmiz, Osimhen has made an explicit promise to potential suitors that he would be open to a club convincing him to leave the Super Lig this month.
Perry Groves has urged Arsenal to go all out to sign the goal machine if his former club fails to land Alexander Isak from Newcastle United. He told talkSPORT: “In a heartbeat. You ain’t gonna get Isak because Newcastle, even though they had a bad result on the weekend, they’re still looking to see if they can get into the Champions League, so they’re not going to get Isak.
“So, if it means you pay over the odds or if you take a player on loan, any centre-forward at the top level, Coisty (Ally McCoist), you’d be licking your lips thinking, ‘I tell you what, I could make a massive difference to that Arsenal side.'”
Benjamin Sesko
Another lethal frontman who has been touted for a move to the Emirates is RB Leipzig star Sesko.
The 21-year-old – who has also been linked with Man United – has emerged as a possible solution to the North London club’s attacking woes this January transfer window. It’s been reported that the Slovenian international has already signalled his desire to move to the Gunners, but would command an eye-watering fee of around £70million.
Marcus Thuram
Inter Milan forward Thuram is also said to be a player on Arteta’s radar.
According to TV Play, the English Premier League giants are ‘ready to do something crazy’ to secure his signature, though the Serie A side are understood to be hesitant over a January deal. The French powerhouse has been in prolific form, plundering 14 goals for the Itailan champions, who trail Napoli by three points in the title race. It would likely require an astronomical offer to prize Thuram away from the San Siro at this stage, with so much at stake. One to watch.
Igor Jesus
Arsenal are casting their net far and wide for much-needed attacking reinforcements and it’s claimed Botafogo forward Jesus is under consideration.
Capped four times by Brazil, the 23-year-old has scored once since his debut in October. Having only played in Brazil and the UAE in his career so far, his arrival would likely underwhelm the Gooners who are craving a big-name that can fire them back into contention for title glory.
Matheus Cunha
Arteta could yet launch a late swoop for Wolves favourite Cunha.
It was previously suggested that the 25-year-old was on the verge of penning a new long-term deal at the Molineux. But talks have since stalled amid speculation linking him with a move to the Emirates. The former Atletico Madrid man provoked the rage of his manager last night as he looked out-of-sorts in the 3-1 defeat at Stamford Bridge.
Raging boss Vitor Pereira slated his star man’s body language and admitted his head may have been turned by the transfer speculation. With 10 goals to his name for the Premier League strugglers so far this term, Cunha would likely jump at the chance to move to a team fighting for silverware at the other end of the table.
Martin Zubimendi
It’s reported that Arsenal are confident of clinching the signing of Zubimendi, although this deal would have to wait until the summer.
The Spain international has been identified as a replacement for outgoing duo Thomas Partey and Jorginho as Arteta looks to add quality to the middle of the park. Classy playmaker Zubimendi, 25, certainly fits the bill and it’s been stated that talks are progressing well.