Advertisement

Bakayoko signs, Gyokeres bid, £80m dilemma - Arsenal first January transfer decided

Viktor Gyokeres is one of the most in-form strikers in the world
-Credit:Gualter Fatia/Getty Images


By the time Arsenal next play, the January transfer window will be open. All eyes will be on the Gunners and what they can do to fill the gap left by Bukayo Saka in attack.

The forward is out for the foreseeable future after suffering a hamstring injury in the 5-1 win over Crystal Palace before Christmas. Saka has been one of Mikel Arteta's most reliable players this season, scoring nine and assisting 13 times.

Being without Saka for the coming weeks leaves Arsenal short in attack. Before the setback, a new centre-forward was the priority amid doubts over the quality within the squad, however, that has now changed.

A new attacker, preferably a versatile one, is now expected to be the area prioritised in the window. Unfortunately, the profile needed at the Emirates Stadium cost a premium, especially in the winter.

So, with that in mind, football.london writers give their verdict on what Arsenal's first move in the January transfer window should be and why...

Josh Holland

Missing a player of Saka's quality is going to be massive for Arsenal. Liverpool's relentless start, which is showing no sign of slowing down, means the Gunners already face a difficult task of being crowned English champions. So attempting it without a world-class player makes that more difficult.

In January, they simply have to act quickly. Fixtures against Newcastle, Manchester United, Tottenham and Aston Villa are all awaiting Arsenal in January and facing the hectic schedule with limited resources makes Arteta's job almost impossible.

His recent form makes Matheus Cunha the perfect candidate. The Wolves ace can play out wide or down the middle, as well as covering in attacking midfield. In many ways, he's perfect for his versatility. However, he will cost, possibly, beyond his value with Wolves fighting relegation.

Recalling Fabio Vieira, something that circulated online on Saturday, is another option but he's not a winger. Ethan Nwaneri's performances mean the Gunners already have sufficient depth in attacking midfield.

If Cunha is not affordable, my other shouts would be Johan Bakayoko from PSV Eindhoven.

READ MORE: Quinten Timber flies in for Arsenal, Bukayo Saka absence explained – Inside the Emirates

READ MORE: Arsenal have not made Fabio Vieira recall decision after Porto absence and flight claims

READ MORE: Huge Arsenal January transfer hint dropped as manager makes two-word comment amid Bukayo Saka blow

Sam Truelove

This is a tricky one. Arsenal don't just need numbers, they need quality. Somebody who can improve the starting XI and add another string to the Gunners' already impressive bow.

For me, Arsenal should sign a versatile forward capable of playing across the front line. They especially need cover at right wing, to take the burden off Bukayo Saka. With this in mind, I think Mohammed Kudus is ideal.

The West Ham man, 24, has Champions League experience and proved his quality with the Hammers in his debut Premier League season last campaign, scoring eight goals and grabbing six assists in 33 appearances. Kudus is capable of playing on the right and left wing so will add real versatility to Arsenal's squad.

Kudus is valued at €50million (£41.5million), according to Transfermarkt, so a big fee is likely needed to get him out of West Ham. With plenty of years ahead of him, it may just be worth it.

Isaac Seelochan

January is a notoriously difficult time to complete big-money deals, with clubs reluctant to let their prized assets leave mid-season. A striker like Newcastle's Alexander Isak or Sporting's Viktor Gyokeres would transform the Gunners but it's hard to see that happening until the summer.

Arsenal's immediate need will be to find someone who can fill in for the injured Bukayo Saka. It won't be easy to do in Janaury, but Wolves' Matheus Cunha is an obvious example.

Cunha is probably not good enough to start ahead of Saka when the England international is fit but he could play on the left, where Arsenal do not have the same attacking quality.

Liam Wood

Despite a welcome return to form for Gabriel Jesus in attacking quarters, Arsenal do have some lingering concerns in that area. Of course, their pursuit - or non-pursuit as it turned out - for a new No.9 this summer was much-talked-about and will continue when the market reopens. But a regular goal-getter comes at a premium.

An injury to Saka has, naturally, complicated matters. However, with a title push still in reach, Arsenal should try to push the boat out in January and do everything they can to close the gap on Liverpool.

Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting CP during a UEFA Champions League match
Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting CP during a UEFA Champions League match -Credit:Photo by Pim Waslander/Soccrates/Getty Images

Targeting a Viktor Gyokeres, Victor Osimhen or Alexander Isak would be (extremely) tricky, and that goes without saying, but the narrative of the Premier League might not look the same next season. Each of those strikers would cost a pretty penny - perhaps even £100million-plus - but would be priceless if they get Arsenal over the line.

Either way, cover across the front-line is needed. Perhaps a cheeky swoop for Bryan Mbeumo could be a wildcard for Arteta and the recruitment team to consider, especially with Saka on the treatment table.

Tom Coley

Arsenal, with the absence of Saka, will need attacking reinforcements, especially if they are to go deep in three competitions. Getting that sorted mid-season will be tough, though, and it might be a window for looking at deals like the ones that got Leandro Trossard and Jorginho to the club as a pick up in 2023.

Inaki Williams is an obvious, versatile winger who can help but again, given he was unattainable over the summer, it feels unlikely that Arsenal will be able to get anything done next month. There are still questions over how the striker situation is rectified.

Kai Havertz is doing a good job but the availability and form of Jesus for much of the past 18 months is cause for concern even after his strong return to the scoresheet last week. It is almost inevitable that Gyokeres, Isak, and Osimhen are persued.

Maybe in January there could be a way into the Osimhen situation given his surprise loan and the undoubted temporary nature around that. If Arsenal put £80million on the table in January then it would be hard to turn down.

Tom Canton

This is a really simple one, sign a forward. Fail to do so and you could fairly ask the question whether or not Arsenal have done everything within their power to best place themselves in the title race.

Not so much a centre forward, that can wait until the summer when more elite-level options are available, but a wide player is a must. It has been something of a barrier when approaching talents having Bukayo Saka as such a stalwart option on the right hand side but with him out for the foreseeable future, that changes the discussions with potential candidates.

Minutes can be guaranteed far more than before and then a player can establish themselves in the side before Saka returns. A versatile figure would indeed be preferable considering when the England international is fit, the prospect of playing both together is also something that could benefit Mikel Arteta.

Arsenal need reinforcement and failing to do so would be gambling not just their title credentials but the other three competitions they are also in.