Arsenal find themselves in the middle of the January transfer window with an area of their squad in dire need of reinforcements.
After long-term injuries to Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus, the latter tearing his ACL in the weekend's defeat to Manchester United in the FA Cup, Arsenal will have to think about strengthening their attacking line during the winter window.
The Gunners have long been questioned about their failure to recruit an out-and-out centre-forward, with Kai Havertz's recent slump in form illustrating their need for an orthodox number nine. The cash splash seems less of a luxury and more of a necessity after injuries and general creative issues this term.
Here are six strikers Arsenal may try to move in January.
Alexander Isak
There are no secrets about Arsenal's interest in Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak. The Swedish dynamo, who has previously been compared to Gunners legend Thierry Henry, has long been tipped with a move to north London, and his sensational 2024/25 form has only fueled talk of his future.
Isak has scored 15 goals and provided four assists in 22 appearances for the Magpies this season as he looks to improve on his combined 27 G/A tally from last season. The powerful, quick and agile striker has scored in both meetings – or perhaps auditions – with Arsenal this season.
Isak's signing will not be easy. Newcastle are said to value the 25-year-old at around £150milliona fee that will discourage most of Europe's elite. January could be too soon for such a change, especially with Arsenal in a weak negotiating position.
Victor Gyokeres
Another Swede Arsenal have long admired is Viktor Gyokeres, who himself flourished in one of the most devastating strikers in the world since a move to Sporting CP in 2023. The former Brighton & Hove Albion striker scored 43 goals and provided 14 assists in 50 appearances during his debut season in Lisbon – a figure he could improve on this season.
Gyokeres shares similarities with Isak in terms of his pace and raw physicality, although he boasts a stronger frame. The price may not be that high, but it will still make North London eyes water around £70-90m needed to reward the 26-year-old from the reigning Portuguese champions.
While Gyokeres remains unproven in the Premier League, he possesses the physicality and ruthlessness needed to thrive in the world's toughest division. Five goals in six Champions League games – including a hat-trick against Manchester City – proves his ability to mingle with the continent's elite.
Benjamin Sesko
Arsenal's desire for attacking reinforcements is nothing new. Benjamin Sesko was said to be the club's main target early last summer, but quickly signed a contract extension with RB Leipzig which made a move to the Premier League impossible.
At just 21 years old, the Slovenian striker has yet to command games in the same way as his positional peers, but he has put up consistent numbers early in his career. He scored 18 with Leipzig last season, a respectable number despite some unpolished upside.
Arsenal would pay for the potential with Sesko. He is already a good striker but has the ability to develop into a world number nine at the Emirates. Quick, mobile and capable of unleashing venomous efforts, the £50-70m fee could be unstoppable for Arsenal in January.
Jonathan David
Only Robert Lewandowski, Harry Kane and Erling Haaland scored more goals in Europe's top five leagues than Lille star Jonathan David in 2024. The Canada international scored 36 in the calendar year, the same number as Kylian Mbappe and seven more than Mohamed Salah and Cole Palmer.
The only reason the 24-year-old is considered a low-cost option in January is because of his fact. contract expires this summer. Such a factor could play into Arsenal's hands, with Lille likely to accept an offer in the region of £20-25m this month as they look to recoup funds for the hot-shot striker.
While Arsenal can wait and sign David for zilch this summer, putting the money in in January would allow them to beat the queue and provide them with one of Europe's most lethal centre-forwards for the second half of the season, while aim to end the trophy drought. .
Santiago Gimenez
If Mikel Arteta wants a recommendation for Santiago Gimenez, he only needs to call Liverpool manager Arne Slott. The Dutchman helped nurture the Feyenoord striker during their time together in Rotterdam, scoring 49 goals over his last two seasons.
The tall and powerful centre-forward lacks the glamor and athleticism of Isak, Gyokere and Sesko, but he is a clinical presence and a centre-forward with bags of potential. Only 23 years old, the Mexican has plenty of time to overcome any obstacles.
Of course, the Eredivisie has a mixed record when it comes to producing Premier League-level talent, but Arsenal could quickly be rewarded if they play Gimenez. The striker almost joined Nottingham Forest in the summer and is likely to be a much cheaper alternative to others on the Gunners' wishlist.
Liam Delap
After three Championship loan spells with varying levels of success, Liam Delap eventually secured a permanent move to Ipswich Town from Man City in the summer. The newly-promoted Tractor Boys took a chance on the £20m signing and the 21-year-old could prove their salvation at the end of the season.
Delap, the son of former Stoke City player Rory, has scored eight goals in his first half-season with Ipswich and has caught the eye with a no-nonsense attacking approach. Stacking between centre-backs like a battering ram, the imposing attacker has given the league's best defenders some difficult afternoons.
January could come too soon for Delap and Arsenal – if the Gunners are interested in the youngster, of course – with Ipswich unlikely to sanction a move away under any circumstances. However, he is one who would tick a number of boxes for the Gunners.