The January transfer window is open, and whilst it seems Arsenal are saving any major activity for the summer, the feeling among most in and around the club is that there’s one key position out of them all that Arsenal need the most.
Gabriel Jesus was signed in the summer of 2022 for £45 million from Manchester City, and the signing of the Brazilian was met with lots of excitement from the Arsenal fans. And their excitement proved to be jiustified as Jesus started rapidly in a red and white shirt. Scoring two and assisting two on his home Premier League debut versus Leicester City.
For the first time in years it seemed Arsenal had a striker who could do it all. Not just score goals but also be a hit in and around the opponent’s half. Jesus’s ability with the ball at his feet is second to none, and he’s a joy to watch at times. However, since a knee injury he sustained at the 2022 World Cup, things haven’t quite been the same for Jesus.
The dribbling, skills and link-up play are still there, but his ability to find the back of the net in the 2023/24 season has left a lot to be desired. And whilst he’s mostly shone in the Champions League, Jesus only has three Premier League goals to his name this campaign, and has often come under criticism for missing many big chances. Jesus is a wonderful footballer, but his lack of finishing has seen questions be asked over whether he can be the main man upfront for a title winning Arsenal team. As a result, Arsenal look set to break the bank for a new striker in the 2024 summer transfer window.
But who should they sign? The striker market is as thin as ever, but there are still many options out there for Mikel Arteta. So i’ve brought together a list of potential targets and rated them out of ten for how much I think Arsenal should bring them in.
IVAN TONEY
The man which has seen the most talk surrounding him and Arsenal is Brentford striker Ivan Toney. The Englishman recently returned from a lengthy ban for breaching betting rules and his first game back saw him hit the back of the net with an impressive free-kick.
Toney is an excellent all round striker who would fit Arsenal perfectly. He stands at 6″2 and boasts good strength, fitting the more physical presence that Arsenal need upfront. But he’s so much more than just a target man.
Whilst he is a killer in the penalty area, he can easily drop deep and bring others into play, and although he may not be able to do what Jesus can with the ball at his feet, he still is a very accomplished all round footballer.
There’s no doubting his attributes are almost perfect as to what Arsenal want. However, come the summer he would have turned 28, so he’s not as young as other targets. Added to that is the very hefty price tag Brentford are likely to demand for their star man. But he would be a very strong signing regardless, even if it would be more short-term.
SIGNING RATING: 8/10
VICTOR OSIMHEN
Arguably the most in-demand striker in world football at the moment, Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen has gone from strength to strength since signing for Napoli from Lille in 2020.
The striker had an injury-hit first season in Naples, but blew into life in his second. Smashing home 26 Serie A goals as Napoli won the league in fairly comfortable fashion. Oshimen’s attributes are fairly similar to Toney’s. With the Nigerian boasting similar physical attributes with his tall frame, immense strength and heading ability. As well as his clinical nature inside the box, which sets himself apart from Arsenal’s current striking options.
What Oshimen brings that other targets may not though, is his explosive pace. He’d be expensive, with his new release clause believed to be just north of £100 million. But few strikers in world football are as quick whilst being as physically gifted as Oshimen.
However, his injury record may be a concern but apart from that, the opportunity to sign Osimhen seems far too good to miss. Added to the fact that Chelsea and Manchester United are interested, it seems like a potential no-brainer.
SIGNING RATING: 9/10
VIKTOR GYÖKERES
Brighton And Hove Albion rarely miss a trick when it comes to recruitment these days, but one that got away was Swedish striker Viktor Gyökeres.
The Swede barely touched a ball for the Seagulls, and after an initial loan spell, joined Championship side Coventry City on a permanent deal in 2021. And it’s in the midlands where his career eventually took off.
17 goals in the 2021/22 season was followed up by an even more impressive 21 goals the following season as Gyökeres starred for the Sky Blues as they narrowly missed out on promotion to the Premier league. Losing out on penalties to Luton Town in the play-off final. Despite that, Gyökeres form would see him earn a move, with Sporting CP paying a club record fee to bring him to Lisbon.
And Gyökeres hasn’t slowed down since his move to Portugal. Scoring 13 goals in just 17 Liga Portugal matches so far in his first six months in green and white. And an eye for goal isn’t just what the Swedish forward is about, he again is a physical presence with good strength and hold-up ability. But what perhaps sets him aside from others is his creativity. As well as his 21 goals for Coeventry in 2022/23, he also got 12 assists. And already has eight for Sporting, including getting four in one game.
It wouldn’t be an easy deal to pull off due to only recently signing for Sporting, and could be a risk due to the fact that the Swede hasn’t proved his worth in one of Europe’s major league’s yet. But he is still a great striker and could be one to keep an eye on.
SIGNING RATING: 7/10