For many, Arsenal’s chances of making a return to the Champions League next season rely on whether or not they can bring a striker to the club during what remains of the January transfer window.
While few could argue that Mikel Arteta’s side have generally improved this season, the expulsion of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from first-team affairs has certainly left a gaping hole up front.
Whether or not the Gabonese international is the right man for this team is certainly up for debate but the fact Arsenal have gone four games without scoring only highlights the lack of convincing options the club currently have.
Unsurprisingly, then, forwards are dominating the kind of names linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium this month.
Bruno Guimaraes
Newcastle United could be set to beat Arsenal to the punch over a potential deal for Bruno Guimaraes, writes Simon Collings.
Bruno has impressed in Ligue 1 over the past 18 months and it has led to him becoming a part of Brazil’s senior squad.
The 24-year-old has been scouted by Arsenal for a number of years, ever since he played for Athletico Paranaense in Brazil, but Newcastle are now leading the race to sign him this month.
The Magpies have made an approach for Bruno, who is valued at over £30million, and there is confidence at the club they can wrap up a deal.
Bruno is currently in Ecuador, focusing on Brazil’s game there on Thursday, and his future will be fully resolved after that game.
It remains to be seen whether Arsenal now firm up their interest after tracking and scouting the midfielder, but that seems unlikely at this stage.
Dusan Vlahovic
It’s been the saga of the January window so far but, finally, we appear to be approaching its conclusion.
Sadly for Arsenal, however, it does not look like a satisfactory one. According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Juventus are closing in on a £70m deal for the Serbian striker.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Although injury has prevented Dominic Calvert-Lewin hitting the heights of previous campaigns, few would doubt the England forward would be an interesting addition.
According to The Athletic, the Everton star remains on their wishlist and could well be targeted towards the dying embers of the transfer window.
Arthur Melo
Having emerged as a target earlier this month, the trail has gone somewhat cold on a potential loan move for the Juventus midfielder.
The Brazilian is believed to be Arsenal’s preferred option in that department but, as thing stand, there is a reluctance from Juve to let him leave.
Alexander Isak
Real Sociedad striker Alexander Isak appears the easiest deal to complete in the next seven days given he has a release clause in his contract believed to be worth £75million, writes Simon Collings.
The Swedish international has scored eight times in 25 appearances this season and could be offered a huge spike in wages to move to England should Arsenal make a formal bid.
Matt Turner
The United States goalkeeper, currently playing for New England Revolution, could be on his way to the Emirates Stadium as a potential replacement for Bernd Leno.
Luka Jovic
Given the Serbian’s lack of game time at Real Madrid, Jovic did seem like a fairly logical target during what remains on this month’s window.
Sources close to the player, however, suggest Jovic has little interest on the idea of a move at this stage.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Like Mesut Ozil before him, Arsenal would be keen to shift Aubameyang’s hefty wages on but finding a buyer could be difficult.
Offers are thought to have been made from clubs in the Middle East but a move elsewhere in Europe may involve Arsenal having to pay at least some of his pay packet.
Barely involved in the first-team now, there’s an awful lot to watch out for during the final week of the month.
