#56 - SIX wide forward options Arsenal could sign this month
Arsenal need reinforcements in forward areas. I explore six options worth pushing the boat out for, that could be available this month.
Arsenal needed a forward in the summer. A major injury to Bukayo Saka and other smaller injuries and illnesses has placed further stress on a frontline lacking potency and depth.
The transfer window is open and after keeping the powder dry in the summer, the Gunners have spending power.
Today, I look at some realistic January solutions to bolster Arsenal’s stuttering attack. I’ve left out one of my favourites, Matheus Cunha, as he looks set to sign a new contract at Wolves. There’s also Omar Marmoush, who now looks likely to join Manchester City…
We should have the money to make a significant investment this month, particularly after keeping the powder dry in the summer. But, if we do need to raise more funds, in the last issue, I talked about how we could boost the coffers by letting a couple of defenders leave.
1. Jamie Gittens
Arsenal fans look on lustfully at Cody Gakpo for Liverpool. His ability to score from the left, tight angles and win his 1vs1 is something Arsenal lack. Gittens, still just 20, is evolving into a player of this ilk and looks like he has all the tools to make it to the top.
Dortmund are said to be interested in Marcus Rashford, which could open the door to a Gittens departure, if Arsenal paid up.
He’s also English so would qualify as homegrown, helping the wider squad building picture.
He matches up closely statistically to several players Arsenal have shown interest in before (Kudus, Zhegrova, Madueke, Bowen, Nico Williams) - so looks a good fit from that perspective too. Take a look at him in action below.
The downside is his age and coming from the Bundesliga, he may require some adaptation time. Arsenal ideally need someone who can come in right now and make impact.
2. Ademola Lookman
Lookman previously failed to light up the Premier League, but he now appears to have matured into a top quality forward during his time at Atalanta.
Interestingly his 'similar players' according to FBref, are Saka, Leao, Diaz, Olise and Raphinha. Those are pretty much exactly the profile we need.
His shooting and chance creation metrics are nothing short of elite, and he’d certainly give us a weapon not currently in the arsenal.
We were linked with a late move for Lookman in the summer, which took many by surprise. But with 6 goals in 9 Serie A games, his continued excellent form will surely have turned more heads.
The downsides? He’s 27, the oldest option on this list, and Atalanta would probably want a large amount of money, so that makes it tricky - but all players that will improve us will require investment.
The other side to that is he is probably the most ready to perform now and at an elite level.
3. Mohammed Kudus
Kudus can play on the right, and in midfield, as well as on the left wing and even as a striker. This tactical versatility, Premier League experience and high technical level makes him a perfect fit for this squad, as Arteta looks to add unpredictability t his attack.
He’s a player Arsenal tracked at Ajax before he moved to West Ham. Whilst he’d cost a lot more now, he’d still be a wise signing. We know he can do it in the Premier League.
The manager uncertainty around West Ham now makes this one difficult, but there could perhaps be an opportunity there, for the Hammers to give any new manager some funds from a Kudus sale, to make his own signings.
4. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
Another Serie A player who is predominantly a left-winger, but also has experience playing as a striker.
I rarely see links to Khvicha. I know Napoli are hard to deal with, but I think they’d be forced to sell if big money arrived. He’s still only 23, the right age for Arsenal to make a big investment in.
Another big powerful runner, with amazing carrying numbers as shown above.
5. Maghnes Akliouche
Known more as a number 10 in his youth, Akliouche has thrived on the right wing for Monaco this season.
He’s a player I really like to add creative depth to our midfield and wide options. He’s not an out and out pace and power winger like the others on this list, but he’d certainly add something to our squad we don’t currently have.
He’s just 22, so has room for growth still and you’ll see from the video above, he is tall, around 6ft, again giving a bit of that Gakpo vibe with his languid dribbling.
6. Nico Williams
We all know about Nico Williams. After a stunning Euro 2024, Williams was wanted by much of Europe. His excessive wage demands have so far meant that despite having a low release clause, nobody has paid up to take Williams.
His form this season is also questionable, particularly when he is said to be demanding wages that would make him Arsenal’s highest earner.
I guess the reality is, his wage demands aren’t going to change. Arsenal need to find a way to pay for him, or give up and move to other targets.