Arsenal find themselves midway through the January transfer window with one area of their squad in dire need of reinforcements.
Following long-term injuries to Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus, the latter tearing his ACL in the weekend defeat to Manchester United in the FA Cup, Arsenal will have to consider bolstering their forward line during the winter window.
The Gunners have long been questioned for failing to recruit an out-and-out centre-forward, with Kai Havertz's recent dip in form exemplifying their need for an orthodox number nine. Splashing the cash looks less like a luxury and more a necessity following injuries and general creative issues this term.
Here are six strikers Arsenal could try and move for in January.
Expensive deals
Alexander Isak
There are no secrets regarding Arsenal's interest in Newcastle United sharpshooter Alexander Isak. The Swedish dynamo, who has been compared with Gunners legend Thierry Henry previously, has long been touted with a move to north London, and his sensational 2024/25 form has only increased discussions over his future.
Isak has produced 15 goals and four assists in 22 appearances for the Magpies this term as he looks to better his tally of 27 combined G/A from last term. The powerful, speedy and agile striker has scored in both meetings - or perhaps auditions - with Arsenal this season.
Signing Isak will be no easy feat. Newcastle reportedly value the 25-year-old at a staggering �150m, a fee that will dissuade the majority of Europe's elite. January may prove too soon for such a switch, especially with Arsenal in a weak negotiating position.
Viktor Gyokeres
Another Swede that Arsenal have long admired is Viktor Gyokeres, who himself has blossomed into one of the world's most devastating forwards since a move to Sporting CP in 2023. The former Brighton & Hove Albion striker produced 43 goals and 14 assists in 50 appearances during his debut campaign in Lisbon - a tally he could well better this term.
Gyokeres shares similarities with Isak in relation to his pace and raw physicality, albeit he boasts a stockier frame. The price tag may not be quite as high but will still make eyes water in north London, with approximately �70-90m needed to prise the 26-year-old from the reigning Portuguese champions.
While Gyokeres remains untested in the Premier League, he possesses the physique and ruthlessness needed to thrive in the world's fiercest division. Five goals in six Champions League matches - including a hat-trick against Manchester City - proves his ability to tangle with the continent's elite.
Benjamin Sesko
Arsenal's desire for attacking reinforcements is nothing new. Benjamin Sesko was reportedly the club's prime target at the beginning of last summer but swiftly signed a contract extension with RB Leipzig that made a move to the Premier League infeasible.
At just 21 years old, the Slovenian striker is yet to command matches in quite the same manner as his positional peers, but he's provided steady numbers early in his career. He scored 18 with Leipzig last season, a respectable tally despite some unpolished edges.
Arsenal would be paying for potential with Sesko. He's already a fine striker but has the ability to morph into a world-beating number nine at the Emirates. Quick, mobile and capable of unleashing venomous efforts, the fee of between �50-70m could prove prohibitive for Arsenal in January.
Low-cost deals
Jonathan David
Only Robert Lewandowksi, Harry Kane and Erling Haaland scored more goals across Europe's top five leagues than Lille star Jonathan David in 2024. The Canada international produced 36 in the calendar year, the same number as Kylian Mbappe and seven more than Mohamed Salah and Cole Palmer.
The only reason that the 24-year-old is considered a 'low-cost' option in January is due to the fact his contract expires this summer. Such a factor could play into Arsenal's hands, with Lille likely to accept an offer of approximately �20-25m this month as they look to recoup funds on the red-hot striker.
While Arsenal could wait and sign David for zilch this summer, putting up the money in January would allow them to beat the queue and offer them one of Europe's deadliest centre-forwards for the second half of the season as they look to end their trophy drought.
Santiago Gimenez
If Mikel Arteta wants a recommendation on Santiago Gimenez, he only needs to give Liverpool manager Arne Slot a call. The Dutchman helped nurture the Feyenoord striker during their spell together in Rotterdam, with 49 goals scored across his last two seasons.
The tall and powerful centre-forward lacks the glamour and athleticism of Isak, Gyokeres and Sesko, but he's a clinical presence and a centre-forward with bags of potential. Just 23, the Mexico international has plenty of time to iron out any kinks.
Of course, the Eredivisie has a mixed record when it comes to producing Premier League level talent, but Arsenal could be swiftly rewarded should they gamble on Gimenez. The striker almost joined Nottingham Forest over the summer and would likely be a significantly cheaper alternative to others on the Gunners' wishlist.
Liam Delap
After three Championship loan spells with varied levels of success, Liam Delap eventually secured a permanent move to Ipswich Town from Man City during the summer. The newly-promoted Tractor Boys took a chance on the �20m powerhouse and the 21-year-old could prove their saviour come the end of the season.
Delap, son of former Stoke City player Rory, has produced eight goals in his first half-season with Ipswich and has caught the eye with a no-nonsense attacking approach. Bundling through centre-backs like a battering ram, the imposing striker has provided the league's best defenders with some difficult afternoons.
January could come too soon for Delap and Arsenal - if the Gunners are interested in the youngster, of course - with Ipswich unlikely to sanction an exit under any circumstances. Still, he's one that would tick a number of boxes for the Gunners.
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