Mikel Arteta outlines Arsenal's transfer plans amid Victor Osimhen problem
Arsenal were top of the Premier League on Christmas Day - but Mikel Arteta's side somehow managed to finish 2023 in FOURTH.
It's now three games without a win for the Gunners after their 2-1 loss at London rivals Fulham on New Year's Eve. Bukayo Saka scored early on at Craven Cottage, but goals from Raul Jimenez and Bobby De Cordova-Reid turned the game on its head.
Arsenal, who also drew at Anfield and lost at home to West Ham during the Christmas period, find themselves two points behind leaders Liverpool having played a game more. But will Arteta sign anyone in January? Here are the latest transfer headlines.
Osimhen too pricey
Arsenal are interested in signing Victor Osimhen this month, according to The Independent. Yet the Gunners can't afford the forward's release clause of £120million due to Financial Fair Play (FFP) and will not sign him unless Napoli lower their asking price.
Osimhen, 25, is one of the most exciting strikers in Europe. The Nigeria international scored 26 league goals last season to fire Napoli to the Serie A title. He's enjoying another prolific campaign this time around, finding the net seven times in 13 league outings.
Mikel Arteta's dream Arsenal line up as last-gasp January transfers are secured
Arteta's thoughts on transfers
Mikel Arteta's side struggled over the Christmas period (Getty Images)Do you think Arsenal need to bring in new players in January? Let us know in the comments below!
Arsenal's biggest problem this season is goals. Although they've scored 37 in the Premier League, only three of those have been hit by Gabriel Jesus. Their other centre-forward Eddie Nketiah is also struggling to find the net, with just five league goals to his name.
Yet Arteta insisted Arsenal wouldn't splash the cash in January. He told Sky Sports on New Year's Eve: "We have to do what we did in the previous 18 games. With the same players."
Arsenal's alternative plan
Arsenal have also been linked with Brentford striker Ivan Toney, who will be available for selection again this month after completing a ban for breaching the Football Association's betting rules. The 27-year-old striker scored 20 Premier League goals last season.
Yet Brentford, who are hovering just above the relegation zone, aren't willing to sell Toney. Jamie Redknapp has urged Arteta to "be creative" and find a solution to Arsenal's No.9 dilemma. "They are talking about getting a centre forward in," Redknapp told Sky Sports.
"Ivan Toney is the name the fans want but are Brentford going to sell with the injuries they have got? That is an area they have to strengthen.
"But they might have to be creative and make it a loan or something because it is not going to be easy to buy that centre-forward and suddenly everything is going to click, because at the moment there are more problems than answers."
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