Forget Matheus Cunha, Mikel Arteta must sign another Premier League star to fix Arsenal’s attacking problems

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Arsenal are being heavily linked to several forwards this January, with Matheus Cunha the name on many fans’ lips at the moment.

Cunha is enjoying a prolific campaign for Wolves this term, netting ten goals and providing four assists in 21 Premier League appearances.

Fabrizio Romano revealed on Tuesday morning that Arsenal are keen on Cunha, and that the deal is ‘one to watch’ ahead of the final week of the window.

Wolves aren’t said to be open to sanctioning the departure of their talisman, but the Gunners could test their resolve with an audacious bid.

However, with the West Midlanders likely demanding a substantial fee for the Brazilian, Arsenal ought to look elsewhere for their forward acquisition.

Arsenal should target Kaoru Mitoma instead of Matheus Cunha

Bukayo Saka is out for several months with a hamstring issue, while Gabriel Jesus is out for the season with an ACL injury.

Thus, Mikel Arteta is down to just Kai Havertz, Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli and Raheem Sterling as the senior attacking options in his squad.

It’s evident that reinforcements are needed in this part of the pitch to keep pace with league leaders Liverpool, and to maximise the chances of mounting a run in the Champions League.

Arsenal have been linked with Kaoru Mitoma in the past, and they should be considering making a move for the Brighton winger now.

At 27, Mitoma is in the prime of his career, and has proven himself at Premier League level.

He’d need little time to adapt to Arteta’s system, would thus seamlessly settle in at the Emirates and be ready to hit the ground running immediately.

The Japan international has scored five goals and registered three assists in 19 Premier League starts this season – a respectable return for a winger playing in a mid-table team.

Mitoma’s ability to dribble with the ball, create separation from defenders in the box and create chances would help fill some of the creative void in Saka’s absence.

His presence would also free up Martinelli to focus on being a goal-scoring wide forward from the right, which he demonstrated his aptitude for against Aston Villa on Saturday evening.

It would also enable Trossard to be deployed centrally more frequently, acting as Havertz’ deputy, where he’s often looked more effective.

While Brighton would certainly demand a significant fee for Mitoma, it would likely be more modest than other options such as Cunha, and the Seagulls may be tempted by a hefty proposal as they have suitable replacements already in Fabian Hurzeler’s squad.

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Mitoma’s Brighton statistics are impressive

While Arsenal need to add a striker to their ranks before the start of next season, the current market for number nines isn’t ideal, and thus a winger makes more sense for this month.

The data certainly looks impressive for Mitoma, with his ball-carrying and dribbling numbers particularly note-worthy.

He also produces defensive stats that suggest he’s well-suited to a defensively astute Arteta team.

Without Saka, Arsenal lose their most productive carrier of the ball, and have struggled to progress play up the pitch without their starboy at times.

This is Mitoma’s superpower, and he manages to do this whilst maintaining productivity in the final third itself.

His numbers indicate he has the perfect balance of attributes for what Arsenal need.