Transfer news: Misfiring up-top – Five attackers Arsenal could sign this January worth €70m or less
Jesus joins Saka on injury list
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In Arsenal’s last two games against Newcastle and Manchester United in the EFL Cup semi-final first-leg and the FA Cup 3rd round tie respectively, the Gunners created a combined XG of 6.44 goals. Yet Mikel Arteta’s team managed just one goal across those two ties (one of which went to extra-time) which was a deflected strike from centre-half Gabriel. No matter what your take is on ‘XG stats’ it has been clear for all to see in the past week that Arsenal currently have a real issue when it comes to both creating clear chances, and finishing them off when they do come.
In the FA Cup defeat to Man United on penalties at the Emirates on Sunday, captain Martin Ødegaard had his penalty saved in normal time, whilst Kai Havertz missed two gilt-edged opportunities and Declan Rice should have scored with a close-range header – all in the 90 minutes. Yet in extra-time, for half hour against a tired 10-man Man United, Arsenal created next to nothing. Both the lack of clinical finishing and creativity was on show in the north London frost. Arsenal’s front-three right now looks depleted. Gabriel Jesus was stretchered off with what appeared a serious knee-injury to further exhaust Arteta’s forward options, with star player Bukayo Saka and exciting youngster Ethan Nwaneri already sidelined.
Following a sensational 2022/23 campaign, in which he scored 15 non-penalty Premier League goals as a 20 year old, Gabriel Martinelli’s performances have now not been up to scratch for almost two years. Yet he starts almost every game for the Gunners due to their lack of alternatives. The Brazilian has played 29 games across all competitions this season, but provided just six goals and two assists. Meanwhile up-front, Kai Havertz‘s confidence looks shot to pieces following a string of big chances missed in recent games. As illustrated in the graphic above, whilst Saka’s numbers are superb, and Havertz’s are adequate, the rest of Arsenal’s forward-line have been underperforming since the start of last season.
If you asked most Arsenal fans their dream signing this January, they would probably say Alexander Isak, but it is unrealistic to expect the Gunners to fork out the huge fee Newcastle would likely demand this January. However, there is no doubt the club needs reinforcements in what feels like a very key transfer window for Arsenal. The club are at a crossroads – they have made huge strides forward under Arteta and have begun to challenge for the top trophies again, but they now must prove they can get over the line and get silverware. With this in mind, here at Transfermarkt, we have picked out five attackers the Gunners could sign this January with a market value of €70 million or less.
Nico Williams – market value: €70m
The first name that naturally springs to mind when addressing Arsenal’s need for a top left-winger is probably Nico Williams. The 22 year old shone for Spain at Euro 2024, and has become a star at Athletic Club. He has a €58m release clause which is active, and has made it no secret he plans to move on from the Bilbao-based side one day. However, there are still a number of stumbling blocks in the way of a potential move. Athletic Club require the entire €58m fee to paid up-front, which limits chances of staying within the Premier League’s PSR rules. The player is also reportedly on a high wage north of €200k-a-week, which would further burden Arsenal’s finances. He has also in the past mapped out his preference to one day join Barcelona. His numbers in LaLiga this season have also been underwhelming with just one goal and three assists in 17 appearances. Nevertheless, needs must, and the Gunners being able to sign a winger with Williams’ pedigree and potential for just €58m could be an opportunity too good to miss.
| Rumour | |||
|---|---|---|---|
 |
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Left Winger
| Athletic |
|
32 % |
 |
Arsenal |
| LaLiga | Premier League |
Ademola Lookman – market value: €55m
An alternative option to bolster Arteta’s left-wing could be to sign Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman. The Nigerian has been in superb form for the Italian side, culminating in scoring a hat-trick in last season’s Europa League final. At 27 years of age, he is in his prime, and would surely be an upgrade on Martinelli or Leandro Trossard on the left of the Gunners attack. Lookman has 12 goals and six assists this season and has been linked with a move to the Emirates. The African Player of The Year was reportedly recently scouted by Arsenal. He has just two and a half years left on his contract, but it is thought that it would take a more lucrative offer for Atalanta to sell this January, with a summer move perhaps more likely.
| Rumour | |||
|---|---|---|---|
 |
|||
Second Striker
| Atalanta BC |
|
15 % |
|
Arsenal |
| Serie A | Premier League |
Matheus Cunha – market value: €50m
Once again, Matheus Cunha been one of the standout players in the Premier League this season, despite playing in a relegation-threatened Wolves team. The Brazilian has 11 league goals and has tormented defences with his dribbling skills and unpredictability. His ability to play off the left or through the middle could be seen as perfect for the Gunners, and Cunha would surely add a greater threat down the Gunners’ left-flank, which in turn could benefit Saka on the right. However, recent reports suggest despite being a top target for Arsenal, that Cunha is close to agreeing a new contract at Molineux, which could make a January move unlikely.
| Rumour | |||
|---|---|---|---|
 |
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Centre-Forward
| Wolves |
|
15 % |
|
Arsenal |
| Premier League | Premier League |
Bryan Mbeumo – market value: €50m
Recent reports suggest Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo has become a main target for Arsenal this January. The Cameroonian actually scored for the Bees against Arteta’s team on New Years Day, and has 13 Premier League goals this season. He has the ability to play on the right or left wing, and could not only provide a quality back-up to the currently injured Saka, but his versatility means he could be a great permanent option off the left for the Gunners. Mbeumo has a current market value of €50m, and some reports suggest a bid of around €60m could be enough for Arsenal to prize him to north London.
| Rumour | |||
|---|---|---|---|
 |
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Right Winger
| Brentford |
|
28 % |
|
Arsenal |
| Premier League | Premier League |
Jhon Durán – market value: €40m
A more out-an-out striker option for Arsenal could come in Aston Villa’s flamboyant Jhon Durán. The fiery Colombian has started just four Premier League games for Villa this season, yet still has the same number of goals as Havertz (7), despite the German starting 17 of the Gunners 18 league games. The 21 year old has made his frustrations known about his lack of game-time, and has been linked with a number of top clubs including Arsenal. He has a current market value of €40m, but it is expected Villa may demand a higher fee to let him leave the club this winter.
| Rumour | |||
|---|---|---|---|
 |
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Centre-Forward
| Aston Villa |
|
15 % |
|
Arsenal |
| Premier League | Premier League |
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