Five reasons why Arsenal striker search could fall short this January transfer window

Arsenal are looking to recover from a difficult period where they have won just one of their last six matches across all competitions, drawing twice and losing three times – all of the defeats coming away from home despite the Gunners’ typically strong away record. With those defeats has come the pressure to respond, not just on the field but off it as well.

This off-field reaction that is expected by many supporters is of course related to the upcoming January transfer window where Arsenal can look to reinforce the squad. The area which many would love to see the Gunners sign a player in is the striker role considering the need for more firepower and depth to add to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

Eddie Nketiah was sold on deadline day and not replaced but that extra financial push has given the club no excuses in terms of the capacity to spend this winter. However, the outlook on a potential centre-forward signing appears bleak and football.london breaks down the five reasons why.

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Players unwilling to move

Viktor Gyokeres is perhaps the main target for many fans of Arsenal. Sadly, any move for the Swede looks impossible. The Sporting CP forward has already come out to say he intends on staying with the club until the end of the season – this could indeed be the case for many players this winter which is why it can be so difficult to complete these ideal moves.

Priced-out of deals

January also typically sees player prices skyrocket because the clubs are more reluctant to sell and lose their stars mid-season. This means that Arsenal may find a player they want to sign but the price is simply too high to agree to and therefore any move in this regard would crumble.

Lack of options

The aforementioned Gyokeres and fellow Swedish international Alexander Isak are arguably the top two strikers who could yet move clubs in the future but with both unlikely to move this winter, the question is should the Gunners look at alternatives that are not as good? Arguably no, why compromise six months earlier when either forward could instead be available later down the line and any premature move for a different player could prevent a deal for either of the primary candidates?

Other priorities

With it in mind that the striker role may not be the best position for an investment this winter based on potential options, it may be that the money that is available be better spent on other positions. Arsenal have suffered with injuries in the wide areas and attacking midfield which has exposed the need to another versatile attacking player to be considered and it may be wise when the striker market is not forthcoming to prioritise this now.

Edu’s absence

Sporting director Edu Gaspar has now resigned and is on gardening leave, out of the club’s WhatsApp groups and will play no part in the signing of players this winter. While planning will have been done to a considerable degree, the Brazilian’s exit is sure to have some impact on plans, and it could be this which hampers the club’s chances of a deal.