Arsenal currently sit 4th in the Premier League table at the halfway stage of the season. The Gunners have notched up 33 goals so far. However, with Aubameyang’s future at the club looking increasingly uncertain, and Lacazette in the final stages of his contract, Arsenal may require reinforcements in the centre-forward position from outside for the second half of the season, or at the end of the season.
The January transfer window has commenced and the Gunners will look to add at least one player to secure that position before the market closes. Instead of scouting big names like Erling Haaland, Dusan Vlahovic and Alexander Isak with high release clauses, let us try and find relatively cost-effective centre-forward reinforcements who could serve as a good long-term option too:
1. Gianluca Scamacca
- Club: Sassuolo
- Age: 22 Years
- Contract Until: June 2025
Gianluca Scamacca caught the eye of scouts last season with Genoa. The Italian registered 8 goals and 2 assists in under 1000 minutes of game-time. This season, he already has 6 goals from 19 games, with 10 of those as a starter.
Juventus and AC Milan have been touted as possible destinations. A €35m release clause is more than viable for the Gunners to meet and secure Scamacca’s services. However, his hold up ability and work outside the box is still a work-in-progress.
2. Jonathon David
- Club: LOSC Lille
- Age: 21 Years
- Contract Until: June 2025
The Canadian has 16 goals from 27 games this season, including 3 in the Champions League. Currently the top scorer in Ligue 1, Jonathan David recently mentioned Arsenal under Wenger as a club he watched growing up. He was also spotted donning a Thierry henry jumper recently, and Edu is reported to be an avid admirer of the Canadian.
Lille did pay €30 Million to acquire his services from Belgian club Genk, so it would require a good offer to secure the player’s signature. Arsenal have been closely monitoring Jonathan David since the beginning of the season, although Liverpool and Real Madrid have been reported as strong contenders for his signature too.
3. Mohamed Bayo
- Club: Clermont Foot
- Age: 23 Years
- Contract Until: June 2024
Another player from the Ligue 1, Mohamed Bayo has 9 goals and 2 assists in 17 league appearances this season. The Guinean was linked to a move to West Ham United in the summer but instead committed to a 3-year long contract. However, Brighton and West Ham continue to be linked for a reported price of just €10 Million.
Bayo could prove to be an excellent choice for Arsenal too, as they already do have Martinelli and Balogun vying for places in the starting XI. A low-risk deal could well be a smart bit of business for the Gunners. Bayo also had 22 goals and 7 assists for the French club last season.
Arsenal can also add centre-forward reinforcements from outside the top 5 leagues. River Plate’s Julian Alvarez has 18 goals and 6 assists from 21 games so far. The young Argentinean is said to be available for only €25 million. Karim Adeyemi of RB Salzburg is another option too.
Whom should the Gunners sign as their new striker? Or should Mikel Arteta rely on his available options in the long term? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
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