Arsenal started the New Year with a 2-0 win over Brentford, but now they are focusing on the January transfer window. Bukayo Saka is out until March due to injury, so manager Mikel Arteta is looking for new players to keep up in the Premier League. Instead of finding someone to replace Saka, Arteta wants a strong striker to improve Arsenal’s attack.
Arteta’s Plans Without Saka
Although 16-year-old Ethan Nwaneri did well in Saka’s place during the Brentford game, Arteta said Nwaneri will still play even if they sign someone new. The goal is not just to fill Saka’s spot on the right but to find a central striker. Arteta is particularly interested in Juventus forward Dusan Vlahovic.
Journalist Rudy Galetti shared on social media that Vlahovic is at the top of Arsenal’s list for January. Galetti mentioned,
“Arsenal are prioritizing Dusan Vlahovic as their top January target, with Arteta favoring him over a direct Saka replacement.”
If they can’t get Vlahovic, they might look at players like Bryan Mbuemo from Brentford, Jamie Bynoe-Gittens from Borussia Dortmund, or Leroy Sané from Bayern Munich.
Why Vlahovic is a Good Fit for Arsenal
Vlahovic has been on Arsenal’s radar since his time at Fiorentina, before he joined Juventus in 2022. His time at Juventus hasn’t been perfect, but he is still seen as a top striker in Europe, known for his strength, goal-scoring, and speed.
Arsenal scouts have watched Vlahovic play this season, showing their ongoing interest in the 23-year-old. His skills could help an Arsenal team that sometimes struggles to score consistently.
Former England defender Micah Richards praised Vlahovic on BBC Radio 5 Live, saying,
“He is lightning. It’s ridiculous. His left foot is like a wand.”
Richards noted Vlahovic’s impressive performance in the 2021/22 season when he scored 16 goals in 18 matches before moving to Juventus.
Bringing Vlahovic to Arsenal could boost his career and meet the team’s need for a top striker alongside Gabriel Jesus, Leandro Trossard, and Martin Ødegaard.
Arsenal’s Other Options: Mbuemo, Bynoe-Gittens, and Sané
While Vlahovic is the main target, Arsenal has other players in mind if talks with Juventus don’t work out. Brentford’s Bryan Mbuemo has impressed with his skills and scoring ability. Jamie Bynoe-Gittens is a young talent at Borussia Dortmund who brings energy and creativity. Leroy Sané, with his experience at Manchester City and Bayern Munich, could also add quality to Arsenal’s attack.
The Need to Strengthen Arsenal’s Team
With Liverpool, Manchester City, and Tottenham all playing well, Arsenal needs new players to stay competitive. Saka’s injury is a big setback, but Arteta’s active approach in the transfer market shows his desire to keep Arsenal strong.
Adding a striker like Vlahovic would not only help in the short term but also set Arsenal up for future success. His abilities match Arteta’s plans, offering speed, strength, and skill that could enhance Arsenal’s offense.
As Arsenal works through the January transfer window, getting a player like Dusan Vlahovic could be crucial for their chance at winning trophies this season. While Saka’s absence is a challenge, Arteta’s focus on finding a central striker shows his commitment to creating a strong team that can compete at the highest level.
If Vlahovic joins Arsenal, he could be the key player they need to catch up with Liverpool and Manchester City and boost their chances for the Premier League title. However, whether they can strike a deal with Juventus will ultimately decide if they can make this plan happen.
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