Arsenal’s eight switch targets as Mikel Arteta needs new ahead to assist catch Liverpool

Mikel Arteta is desperate to sign a new forward in the January transfer window, with Arsenal drawing up an eight-man shortlist to boost their pursuit of Liverpool in the Premier League title race

Arsenal‘s main focus is on securing a new forward to boost their attacking prowess according to Mikel Arteta as they look to catch Premier League leaders Liverpool.

The Gunners are aiming for a third attempt at Premier League success after two close calls, but they still lag nine points behind Arne Slot’s Reds, and the absence of a consistent goalscorer is viewed as a weak spot in their line-up.

Heading into the January transfer window, this issue is further exacerbated by star player Bukayo Saka’s injury layoff. However, it’s understood Arteta will have financial backing and is keeping an eye on several players, both domestically and internationally, as he seeks to bolster his frontline.

Currently, Kai Havertz is Arsenal’s leading league scorer with seven goals. Three current Premier League stars are on Arteta’s radar, including Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, who is highly regarded at the Emirates.Arsenal have been tracking the Swedish player for some time, but Newcastle are reluctant to let him go in January, particularly given the 25-year-old goal machine’s current form. It is believed that Isak is currently valued at £150million.

Arsenal are monitoring any potential changes in plans for the summer – this will depend on whether Eddie Howe’s side qualify for the Champions League and the subsequent impact on their finances.

Wolves’ star player the Brazilian forward Matheus Cunha, 25, who has often been the standout performer for the Midlanders this season, and Brentford talisman Bryan Mbeumo are also on their shortlist. Brentford would be reluctant to lose the Cameroon star, 25, mid-season, reports the Mirror.

The Daily Mail has reported Arsenal might be eyeing a move to bring Leroy Sane back to the English game. The Bayern Munich player, who previously shone at Manchester City and clinched several league titles before his transfer to Bayern, has struggled to secure regular playing time in Germany.

The 28-year-old winger has had previous experience working with Mikel Arteta at City, but his hefty salary could pose a problem – especially considering his preference for playing in Saka’s favoured position on the right.Slovenian forward Benjamin Sesko, 21, is another name that could bolster Arsenal’s goal tally, but RB Leipzig are more likely to entertain offers in the summer. They’re expected to command a high price for the young forward, who has previously caught the attention of Manchester United.Nico Williams, 22, who made waves at Euro 2024 by scoring against England in the final, has garnered quite a fan base. Athletic Bilbao managed to keep him on their books in the summer, but rumours suggest the winger has a £50m release clause. Arsenal are said to be among the clubs interested in him.

Arda Guler, the 19-year-old prospect from Real Madrid, also has fans in north London. However, despite his limited playtime, the Spanish champions view the Turkish teenager as a significant part of their future plans.If German attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz, 21, ever decides to leave Bayer Leverkusen, there would be a long line of clubs vying for him, with Arsenal reportedly among them.

The Gunners face Brentford tonight (New Year’s Day) as they look to cut Liverpool’s lead to six points.