Arsenal transfers information: Huge signing anticipated after supply for ahead is snubbed
Arsenal are in desperate need of a new forward following Gabriel Jesus’ injury lay-off but the Gunners have seen a first bid rejected for a top target
The January transfer window is in full swing and Arsenal are seemingly more desperate for reinforcements than they were at the start of the month.
The Gunners’ need for a new striker has been well-documented, but the situation has become even more pressing with Gabriel Jesus set to be sidelined for an extended period after being stretchered off against Manchester United in their crushing FA Cup defeat.
This leaves Mikel Arteta with even fewer options up front, especially with Bukayo Saka already expected to be out until at least March. And the North Londoners have looked short on attacking quality in his absence.
Arsenal’s head coach has remained tight-lipped about potential new signings so far, insisting that his team will consider opportunities as they come, reports the Mirror. So here is the latest on his efforts to bolster their squad and catch Premier League leaders Liverpool.
First bid knocked back
Arsenal are eager to bolster their attacking options following the injury to Jesus and Juventus star Dusan Vlahovic has caught their eye. The Serbian hotshot has been on the Gunners’ radar, and it’s reported that Arsenal have made an initial offer to take the striker on loan.
However, Juventus quickly dismissed the proposal. The Serie A giants are unwilling to let their forward leave on such terms, which would leave them short-handed up front.
It’s suggested that Juve might be open to a sale or a loan deal with an obligation to buy, but for now, they’re not interested in what Arsenal have put on the table. Arteta’s side are reluctant to commit beyond a loan, particularly with their interest in RB Leipzig’s Slovenian striker Benjamin Sesko looming large for the summer.
Transfer breakthrough
Arsenal seem to have edged out Liverpool in the fierce battle to snap up Martin Zubimendi, Real Sociedad’s star midfielder.
The Merseyside club had their sights set on the Spanish ace last summer but were left hanging when he did a last-minute U-turn. The Gunners, however, may have tipped the scales in their favour as talks reach a critical phase.
While Arsenal are keen for Zubimendi to join ASAP, Sociedad insist he stays put until summer. Although his release clause sits at a hefty £51million, Arsenal’s financial constraints dictated by profit and sustainability regulations mean that payment specifics could still be influenced by the Spanish outfit.
If the deal can be secured, it would be a huge statement with the Euro 2024 winner opting to join the Gunners rather than their title rivals.
Injuries ‘haven’t changed approach’
On the injury front, Arteta has implied Gabriel Jesus’s setback hasn’t swayed Arsenal’s January manoeuvres, stressing an ongoing quest for market jewels.
“My answer doesn’t change,” articulated Arteta. “We are actively looking in the market to improve the squad. We have been since day one.
“It would be naive not to do that because there is always an opportunity to evolve the team and improve the squad. Especially with the circumstances we have. So yes, we are looking and let’s see what we are able to do.
“When you recruit a player there are three parties and you have to agree,” he noted. “And we have our limitations as well like any other club. We can do what we can do. We plan our squad and have our limits to do what we want to do, that’s it.”
