Arsenal learn asking price for Premier League star who loves Bukayo Saka amid January transfer links

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After Gabriel Jesus was stretchered off the pitch on Sunday afternoon at the Emirates, Arsenal were left with just four senior forwards to pick from.

Bukayo Saka is out for several months with a hamstring injury, meaning Mikel Arteta has only Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard and Raheem Sterling at his disposal.

Ethan Nwaneri will return to action in a few weeks, but the Gunners look threadbare in attacking areas regardless.

Arteta must subsequently move for a striker or winger this month, otherwise he leaves his side vulnerable to serious issues in regard to fielding a senior attack.

Nico Williams has been linked with Arsenal, but Arteta has tended to favour signing players from within the Premier League, which could make an alternative a viable option.

Bournemouth want £50m for Arsenal target Antoine Semenyo

A number of players at clubs lower down in the English top flight are said to be on the Gunners’ radar.

Bryan Mbuemo is on Arsenal’s shortlist, while the likes of Mohamed Kudus and Matheus Cunha have also been mooted.

Antoine Semenyo is also admired by Arteta, and Bournemouth’s demands for selling the player have now been revealed.

According to the Northern Echo, the Cherries would only be willing to sanction their talisman’s departure for a fee in the region of £50 million.

Liverpool are also in the reckoning to land Semenyo, with the Reds viewing the wide man as a potential long-term replacement for Mohamed Salah.

Semenyo, most frequently deployed on the right by Andoni Iraola, would be a sensible short-term stand-in for Saka.

However, the player himself has expressed how highly he rates the Gunners’ starboy (via ESPN), and thus may not be keen on joining Arsenal to compete with the 23-year-old once he’s returned from injury.

The Ghanaian has scored five goals and registered two assists in 19 Premier League appearances this season.

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Arsenal could use Semenyo on the left

While splashing £50 million on a player who predominantly operates in Saka’s position wouldn’t be a logical move, Arsenal could certainly use Semenyo on the left-hand side.

The 25-year-old has played on the left from time to time throughout his career, and with Martinelli and Trossard struggling on that flank, there’s a position there for him to make his own at the Emirates.

Given he’s naturally right-footed, the angles may well be better suited to him on the opposite side.

On the left, Semenyo will be able to come inside and shoot on his stronger foot more frequently, potentially seeing his goal output increase to another level.