£80m Duran transfer, Cunha deal, Sesko decision - Arsenal's dream attack after January window
The clock is ticking for Arsenal to sign a new striker before the end of the January transfer window. Mikel Arteta's side could dip into the market to add another frontman ahead of next Monday's deadline.
They have just six days to complete their winter business and a new No.9 is said to be the priority target position. Gabriel Jesus is out of the season and beyond with an Anterior Cruciate Ligament injury, while Kai Havertz, who is Arsenal's only recognised senior striker fit and available right now, has struggled for consistent form.
Speaking last Friday, Arteta stressed the need for the Gunners to strengthen up front. "My opinion is clear," the Spaniard said when asked about the need for Arsenal to sign a forward. "We lost two very important players, in Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus, so we lack goals, people and options in the front-line.
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"It's clear that for the period that we have lost them, ideally we need some help, because we were short already and we're even shorter. The team has still coped with that but we have do what is right for the club."
Which striker could Arsenal sign? Several players have been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium but four names stand out; Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha, Jhon Duran and Evan Ferguson.
Sesko, 21, a proven goal-scorer during his time at Red Bull Salzburg and RB Leipzig, has netted 14 times in 27 matches this season. He has a gentleman's agreement in his contract, which allows him to depart Leipzig for £60million in the summer. However, the Gunners could attempt to sign him this month instead.
Cunha, 25, has an uncertain future with Wolves and has attracted interest from the Gunners, Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa so far in January. The Brazilian has been a standout for the west midlands club this season, scoring 10 goals and adding four assists in 23 games. He would be an excellent signing for Arsenal.
Duran, 21, is the most exciting pick of the quartet named. The Colombian, valued at £80million, has 12 goals in 29 appearances this season, with SIX of those coming as a substitute. He has the potential to become a world-class striker in the future and his ceiling is unmatched. What an addition he would be.
Ferguson, 20, would be an interesting choice if the Gunners can sign him from Brighton, who are willing to allow the Republic of Ireland international to leave on a permanent deal this month. Ferguson has scored 17 goals in 79 matches for Brighton, and has the physical and technical qualities to impress for Arsenal.
If there was one that does seem the most perfect fit, then Duran is the man. He has significant Premier League experience, is at a good age, has been bang-in-form for Villa, and he's a recognised centre forward. That would represent the "dream" forward signing for Arteta before the end of the month.
While it's not certain that one is going to come through the door, it's even more unlikely that the Gunners could sign two attackers. Should one be signed, Cunha is the second-best option out of those.
This is because the ex-RB Leipzig and Atletico Madrid man can play in a number of positions across the front-line and would compliment a natural No.9 coming in, such as Duran, Sesko or Ferguson. Cunha can also operate in the central striker role, but the attacking midfield position does feel his most suitable position.
An attacking department of Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard, Ethan Nwaneri, Saka, Raheem Sterling, Havertz, Jesus, Matheus Cunha and Jhon Duran would be the "dream". That is an attacking line that could help Arsenal win the Premier League title this season and trophies in the coming years.
Even if you swap out Duran for Ferguson - or Sesko - that would represent a special attack - and one that Arteta can work with and give Arsenal the tools it needs to go and win major honours.