Arsenal intend to sign a new forward this summer, and they have already laid the groundwork during the winter window.
Moreover, the Gunners engaged in discussions with four parties in January, demonstrating their commitment to addressing the striking void.
Last weekend, Arsenal thrashed Manchester City 5-1, yet a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Newcastle in the Carabao Cup semi-final exposed their ongoing lack of a target striker. Consequently, this result has intensified calls from Mikel Arteta for fresh attacking reinforcements.
Mikel Arteta has been very vocal about his need for a new striker. Despite their best efforts, Arsenal could not secure the right target in January. In fact, a bid was submitted for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins, but that offer was swiftly rejected by the opposition.
Additionally, sources have revealed that if a domestic loan spot had been available, Arsenal would have attempted to sign Brighton striker Evan Ferguson until the end of the season. However, the club had already secured Raheem Sterling and Neto on loan from Chelsea and Bournemouth respectively, which rendered a loan move for Ferguson impossible.
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Even though Evan Ferguson has many admirers at Arsenal, the club could only explore a permanent deal last month. Furthermore, Arsenal contacted Brighton to inquire about his price demands and the conditions of a permanent transfer. Ultimately, the 20-year-old striker opted to reunite with his former manager at West Ham on a straight loan until the summer.
In addition, Arsenal enquired about Botafogo striker Igor Jesus during January. They held talks with his agents, and Botafogo were reportedly willing to sell him for around £20m. Nevertheless, Jesus was seen more as a legacy target rather than a priority following his departure.
Moreover, Arsenal also approached RB Leipzig for Benjamin Sesko but were informed he was not available in January. Therefore, the Gunners chose to respect that decision and maintain a positive relationship with Leipzig. Meanwhile, Arsenal decided to rely on Kai Havertz to lead the line until Gabriel Jesus returns from injury, as no number nines were available to immediately upgrade their starting XI.
Finally, while Newcastle striker Alexander Isak remains the dream target, his price tag—valued north of £120m—renders a move unlikely this summer. Additionally, Villa striker Ollie Watkins might still be revisited after a failed £40m bid, although he is now valued at over £60m and is turning 30 this year. Ultimately, Arsenal appear set to return for Sesko in the summer, as he remains the most realistic option, with Isak as the long-term aspiration and Watkins as a potential backup.
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