Arsenal are in the market for attacking reinforcements and Mikel Arteta is ready to splash the cash with a host of names being considered at the Emirates Stadium
Arsenal are in dire need of a striker, and they need one immediately.
The Gunners’ attack is suffering due to a spate of injuries – the latest casualty being Gabriel Jesus. The Brazilian is expected to be out for most of the season with a severe knee injury.
Despite this setback, they received a significant boost from Tottenham forward Dominic Solanke during Wednesday’s North London derby. The ex-Bournemouth player’s own goal equalised Heung Min-son’s strike.
Leandro Trossard then clinched a crucial three points, with transfer gossip continuing to circulate afterwards. Here’s a roundup of the latest transfer chatter from the Emirates Stadium over the past 24 hours:.
Arteta gives thumbs up for Gyokeres
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has given the go-ahead for a sensational move for Sporting Lisbon star Viktor Gyokeres. The Gunners are in urgent need of a forward, and the Swede is viewed as the ideal candidate, reports the Mirror.
As per French publication L’Equipe, Arsenal are ‘no longer hesitant’ to spend big on the Manchester United target. Gyokeres has a €100million (£83m) release clause in his Sporting contract, which the Gunners are now willing to trigger.
Gyokeres isn’t the only player Arsenal are considering for a January transfer. Newcastle star Alexander Isak is on their radar, as is Lille forward Jonathan David.
Benzema makes decision
Karim Benzema, the former Real Madrid ace, has been urged to consider a move to Arsenal by none other than Rio Ferdinand. The Manchester United legend suggested on TNT Sport that the North London club should snap up the French striker, saying: “I’d go and get Benzema. I’d say give me a six-month loan, have that.”
Despite being 37, Benzema is not thinking about retirement just yet. He’s keen to continue playing, with no plans to hang up his boots anytime soon, especially as he still has 18 months left on his contract with Al-Ittihad.
Premier League options
In other news, Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, who has netted an impressive 13 goals in 21 Premier League matches this season, is also on Arsenal’s radar. However, Brentford manager Thomas Frank shut down any speculation of a January move, stating bluntly when asked about the possibility: “No. So, very easy to answer that question!”
Yoane Wissa, Mbeumo’s teammate, is attracting attention from several Premier League clubs, including Arsenal and Nottingham Forest, as the transfer buzz continues.