Arsenal find themselves in dire need of strengthening an area of their squad through the January transfer window.
Following long-term injuries to Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus, the latter Tearing his ACL Coming off the weekend defeat to Manchester United in the FA Cup, Arsenal will have to look to strengthen their forward line during the winter window.
The Gunners have long been questioned for failing to recruit an out-and-out centre-forward, with Kai Havertz’s recent dip in form exemplifying their need for a conservative number nine. Splashing cash seems less of a luxury and more of a necessity in the wake of injuries and general creative issues.
Here are six strikers Armory May try in January.
Alexander Isaac
There have been no secrets regarding Arsenal’s interest in Newcastle United sharpshooter Alexander Isak. The Swedish dynamo, who has previously been compared to Gunners legend Thierry Henry, has long since moved to north London, and his sensational 2024/25 form has fueled debate over his future.
Issac has 15 goals and four assists in 22 appearances for the Magpies this term as he looks to better his tally of 27 combined G/A from last term. The powerful, quick and agile striker has scored in both meetings – or perhaps auditions – with Arsenal this season.
Signing Issac will be no easy feat. Newcastle reportedly value the 25-year-old at £150mA fee that would dismay most of Europe’s elite. January could prove too soon for such a switch, especially given poor negotiations with Arsenal.
Victor Gyokares
Another Swede that Arsenal have long admired is Viktor Gyokares, who has blossomed in his own right. One of the most destructive forwards in the world After transferring to Sporting CP in 2023. The former Brighton & Hove Albion striker scored 43 goals and provided 14 assists in 50 appearances during his first campaign in Lisbon – a feat he could better this term.
Gyokares shares similarities with Isak in terms of his speed and raw physicality, although he has a stockier frame. The price tag may not be quite as high but will still make eyes water in North London, as well Around £70-90m is required To prize the 26-year-old from the reigning Portuguese champions.
While Gyokares remains untested in the Premier League, he has the physicality and ruthlessness needed to thrive in the world’s fiercest division. Five goals in six Champions League matches – including a hat-trick against Manchester City – proves his ability to mingle with the continent’s elite.
Benjamin Sesco
Arsenal’s desire to attack the military is not new. Benjamin Cesko was the club’s main target early last summer but Quickly signed a contract extension with RB Leipzig That made promotion to the Premier League impossible.
At just 21 years old, the Slovenian striker has yet to command as many matches as his positional peers, but has provided steady numbers early in his career. He scored 18 with Leipzig last season, a respectable number despite some unpolished edges.
Arsenal to pay for prospect with Sesco He is already a good striker but has the potential to become a world-number nine at the Emirates. Quick, mobile and capable of unleashing venomous efforts, a fee of between £50-70m could prove prohibitive for Arsenal in January.
Jonathan David
Only Robert Lewandowski, Harry Kane and Erling Haaland scored more goals than Lille star Jonathan David in Europe’s top five leagues in 2024. The Canada international scored 36 goals in the calendar year, the same 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 of his The 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 on the red-hot striker.
While Arsenal could wait and sign David for zilch this summer, putting the money in in January would see them beat Qatar and offer them one of Europe’s most formidable centre-forwards in the second half of the season as they look to end their trophy drought. .
Santiago Gimenez
If Mikel Arteta wants to make a recommendation on Santiago Gimenez, all he needs to do is call Liverpool manager Arne Slott. The Dutchman helped nurture the Feyenoord striker during a spell together in Rotterdam, scoring 49 goals in his last two seasons.
The tall and powerful centre-forward lacks the glamor and athleticism of Isak, Gyokares and Cesko, but has a clinical presence and is a centre-forward with bags of potential. Just 23, the Mexico international has plenty of time to overcome any kinks.
Of course, the Eredivisie has a mixed record when it comes to producing Premier League level talent, but Arsenal could quickly reap rewards if they gamble on Gimenez. The striker almost joined Nottingham Forest in the summer and could be a significantly cheaper alternative to others on the Gunners’ wishlist.
Liam Delap
After three Championship loan spells with varying levels of success, Liam Delap finally secured a permanent move from Man City to Ipswich Town during the summer. The newly-promoted Tractor Boys took a chance on the £20m powerhouse and the 21-year-old could prove to be their 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. Running through the centre-backs like a battering ram, the dominant striker has provided the league’s best defenders with some difficult afternoons.
January could come too soon for Delap and Arsenal – if the Gunners are interested in the youngster, of course – Ipswich are unlikely to allow an exit under any circumstances. Still, it’s one that will tick a number of boxes for the Gunners.