Arsenal’s Premier League title hopes could all rest on their ability to push in the January transfer market, with a striker firmly on the agenda.
The Gunners sit slightly off the pace of their rivals for the crown, Liverpool, while Chelsea and Manchester City are also in the race.
Mikel Arteta has struggled to get his Arsenal side playing any free-flowing, attacking football as of late, with few chances to decide a game.
It puts further emphasis on set pieces, which have been crucial so far, but also shows the work that needs to be done in the transfer market.
One of those moves for Arsenal is a transfer for a new striker, which is something they’ve been crying out for in the past few windows.
No deals have moved the needle so far, but there are plenty of transfer links flowing ahead of the upcoming winter window.
Arsenal, Liverpool and Man City eye Joao Pedro transfer this January window
Arsenal have been linked with a transfer for Alexander Isak, among names such as Viktor Gyokeres and Victor Osimhen.
However, the trio aren’t alone on the radar heading into January, as recent reports have suggested another Premier League star is being monitored.
According to Caught Offside, Arsenal are among a host of teams looking at a possible deal for Brighton star Joao Pedro.
The report claims that the Gunners are joined by title rivals Liverpool and Manchester City as suitors for the Brazilian.
It’s said an offer of around €55-65 million (£45.7million-£54million) is being prepared by both Arsenal and Liverpool.
Meanwhile, TBR Football have reported that Brighton have set a transfer price tag of £100million for the striker to leave.
That report claims that Chelsea, PSG and Bayern Munich are also potentially in the race for the forward.
Whether Arsenal’s potential offer will be enough to persuade a move for Pedro remains to be seen, though the allure of Champions League football could be tempting.
For the Gunners, it could be an important signing to help them in the title race this season, boosting their chances while dealing a blow to rivals Liverpool.
What Alan Shearer has said about Joao Pedro
There are few who know quite as much about goal scoring as Alan Shearer, with the former Premier League striker giving his glowing endorsement of Pedro earlier this season.
Speaking on BBC’s Match of the Day in late November, following Brighton’s victory over Bournemouth, Shearer said: “This for me is a brilliant centre-forward goal [from Joao Pedro].
“The way he follows it up and he is expecting the rebound to get there. He reacts before anyone else does and then he gets his reward.
“His hold-up play was superb at times when he had to keep hold of the ball and bring his teammates into play.”
It’s all the attributes Arsenal require of a centre-forward in their current system, though there are plenty of options available.
| Appearances | 9 |
| Goals | 4 |
| Assists | 3 |
Whether it’s Isak or Gyokeres, Osimhen or Pedro, there is a real dilemma over which big-money move could secure the Gunners a move closer to the Premier League title.
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