Arsenal look set to be busy in the January transfer window. The Gunners have already made plans to look at bringing in a midfielder and a wide player.
But a World Cup injury to Gabriel Jesus could alter their plans further. Technical director Edu and manager Mikel Arteta may be encouraged to sign a striker in the winter window, depending on the length of Jesus' absence.
The Brazilian frontman underwent surgery upon his return from the World Cup in Qatar and Arsenal will now wait to see how his rehabilitation goes. football.london understands it is too soon for an accurate timescale to be placed on the player’s return so it will be a waiting game for Edu and Arteta.
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Arsenal have been linked with a number of forwards already, even though the transfer window does not open for another three weeks. Cristiano Ronaldo is a free agent and has been touted for a move, as has his Portugal teammate Joao Felix, who is looking for a new club after struggling to hit the heights in La Liga.
In a common theme, there is, however, another Portuguese striker that has been tipped to make the move to the Emirates Stadium. One of the breakout stars of the tournament has undoubtedly been Goncalo Ramos, following his hat-trick in Portugal's 6-1 demolition job of Switzerland in the last 16.
The 21-year-old has 26 goals in 68 games for Benfica since breaking through to the first team in 2019, with 14 of those goals coming in 21 matches this season. He is likely to have a number of suitors around Europe following that World Cup treble and former Tottenham goalkeeper Paul Robinson has told Arsenal to make their move.
Speaking to OLBG, he said: "Arsenal have Eddie Nketiah as their striker now with Gabriel Jesus injured for months, it's now Nketiah’s opportunity to step up and take that position. But if he struggles, it will be an area they have to address in January. If they have the budget, they should go sign a player like Goncalo Ramos, they need to look at that position.
"Goncalo Ramos has had an incredible impact for Portugal against Switzerland. He's playing well at Benfica but the manager could not have dreamt of the impact he's made. Ramos deserved to start over Cristiano Ronaldo in their last game."
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