Arsenal’s January transfer strategy outlined as talks focus on Viktor Gyökeres and Benjamin Šeško deals.

Arsenal may not need to invest heavily in a first-choice striker next summer, but Mikel Arteta requires another center-forward option to strengthen the squad, according to journalist Charles Watts. Speaking to Sports Mole, Watts highlighted the need for a better alternative to Gabriel Jesus, who has struggled to regain form after his 2022 World Cup knee injury.

“I think they definitely need another striker,” Watts said. “Not necessarily a starter, but a better option than they currently have. Jesus hasn’t been the same since his injury, and while Kai Havertz has shown promise, especially after transitioning to a central striker role, Arsenal lacks depth in attack.”

Havertz, despite a slow start after his £65m move from Chelsea, ended the 2023-24 season with 20 Premier League goal contributions and has started the 2024-25 season strongly. However, Jesus has only scored once this term, and Eddie Nketiah’s deadline day move to Crystal Palace has left a void.

Arsenal previously attempted to sign Benjamin Šeško and have been linked with Viktor Gyökeres and Victor Osimhen. While Watts acknowledged Arsenal’s interest in these players, he suggested a summer move is more likely. “They know they need a striker. If not in January, then surely in the summer,” Watts said. He also pointed to Gyökeres’s strong performances at Sporting and raised the possibility of Manchester United, now managed by Ruben Amorim, entering the race for his signature.

In addition to a striker, Watts emphasized the need for another goal-scoring winger to enhance squad depth, drawing comparisons to Liverpool’s attacking rotation. He argued Arsenal must address their lack of depth on the right wing and their inability to bring on game-changing players from the bench.

Looking ahead, Watts expects Arsenal to prioritize summer signings while remaining reactive in the January market. He noted Arsenal’s history of making strategic signings like Leandro Trossard and Jorginho in the winter of 2023 and suggested the club’s hierarchy will finalize plans for the summer during meetings with ownership in the USA.

Arsenal’s attacking needs are clear as they prepare for their next Premier League match against Nottingham Forest on November 23, while also seeking to close a nine-point gap to leaders Liverpool.