Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Arsenal are looking to sign a new striker in the January transfer window after being quizzed on the club’s plans by Rio Ferdinand
Mikel Arteta admitted to Rio Ferdinand on TNT Sports that Arsenal are hunting for a new striker this transfer window.
The North Londoners‘ attacking options are thin on the ground following injuries to Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, and Ethan Nwaneri. With Liverpool soaring at the top of the table, it’s critical for the Gunners to bolster their firepower and keep up.
The squad had been missing a dedicated No 9 even before their injury troubles escalated, placing pressure on the inconsistent Kai Havertz to deliver the goals. Names like Alexander Isak from Newcastle and Red Bull Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko have been floated as potential recruits for Arsenal.
Despite the gap up front, Arsenal managed to show their teeth in the latest showdown with Spurs, clinching a 2-1 victory in the North London Derby, thanks to a goal from Leandro Trossard. But Arteta is acutely aware that his team needs to deepen its attacking options.
Earlier on the TNT Sports programme, pundit Rio Ferdinand was pondering Arsenal’s need for a sharpshooter and he didn’t hold back, later pressing Arteta directly about the club’s plans, reports the Mirror.
The Arsenal boss didn’t beat around the bush, acknowledging: “Yes, for sure. Because we lost two players, big players, Bukayo [Saka], who can be out for up to three months, that’s a long time, and Gabby, who is going to be out for a long, long, long time.”
Arteta added: “We are going to try for sure. We are actively looking at [a new forward]. I think we have lost two very, very important players, we have 14 players in the squad, and we play every three days. We will try but let’s see who we can get.”
Arsenal’s recent surge has closed the gap on league leaders Liverpool to four points – albeit Arne Slot’s team have a game in hand – igniting the title race. And ex-Manchester United ace Ferdinand keen to see the Gunners strengthen up front to challenge the Red Devils’ bitter rivals.
During TNT Sports’ broadcast, pundits dissected Arsenal’s striking dilemma, with Ferdinand urging the North Londoners to target a Real Madrid legend, suggesting a short-term move. “I’d go and get (Karim) Benzema,’ Ferdinand said. “I’d say give me a six-month loan, Benzema. Have that!”
Ally McCoist also weighed in with his recommendation, pointing to Galatasaray’s Victor Osimhen as a potential signing, despite a dip in form since his time at Napoli: “[Osimhen] has still been scoring goals in Turkey. His form is not what it was 18 months ago with Napoli, but I think he can get there again.”