Arsenal signing Jhon Duran from Aston Villa in the January transfer window makes complete sense for three reasons. Mikel Arteta has been heavily impacted by attacking injuries in the 2024/25 season with Gabriel Jesus ruled out for the next nine months and Bukayo Saka not expected back until March at the earliest.

As a result, Ethan Nwaneri's progression into the senior team has been fast-tracked, while the likes of Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz have been required to play most games. With Jesus injured and Eddie Nketiah sold this past summer, Havertz in particular as the main central striker appears to be struggling.

Bringing in a fresh face in attack would not only help Arteta but, also, his players and the addition of a new striker has to be the priority. Alexander Isak and Benjamin Sesko are two long-term targets, but deals for either appear to be far too complicated and far too expensive to sanction this month.

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Matheus Cunha, meanwhile, could still leave Wolves before deadline day, while Brighton are now open to selling Evan Ferguson in a permanent deal. The Seagulls were initially only looking at a temporary exit, but their stance has now changed with Arsenal now able to sign him if they so wish.

However, Villa's Duran should be the top striker target by some distance. Firstly, he is Premier League proven and, unlike Ferguson, has not been plagued by with injuries in the last few years. Cunha, meanwhile, although he has proven his worth in English football, is a slightly different profile of forward to the one Arsenal are craving.

According to The Athletic, bids in the region of £80million for Duran would likely be considered by Villa. While that is a significant fee, Arteta would finally have his striker problem solved and for arguably considerably much less than what will be Isak's asking price this summer.

The arrival of Duran would not only provide Havertz with a needed rest, but it would also allow Arteta to use him in midfield again if he so wishes. Upon his arrival from Chelsea, the Germany international was deployed in that position, but it quickly became clear he was getting more joy up top.

The presence of an actual No.9, however, could see Havertz truly unleashed with the 25-year-old at his best when making those second striker runs into the box and Duran's excellent hold up play would also allow him to advance beyond the Colombia international. It would certainly be a difficult deal to pull of for Arsenal, but it's one that could have an immediate and positive impact.