Arsenal are in the market for a forward acquisition this January.
The Gunners are eager to strengthen their ranks after struggling to score goals since Bukayo Saka was ruled out for several months with a hamstring injury.
The likes of Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus and Leandro Trossard have struggled to provide the goals needed to help Mikel Arteta’s team keep pace with league leaders Liverpool, and the Spaniard is looking to rectify this issue this month.
Matheus Cunha is a target for Arsenal, while long-term target Nico Williams is open to a Premier League switch.
Both players are realistic additions the North Londoners could make this winter, although a more star-studded option could also be on the cards, and would arguably elevate Arteta’s side’s level more significantly.
Arsenal handed transfer boost as Khvicha Kvaratskhelia pushes for Napoli exit
Arsenal lost at home to Newcastle United on Tuesday night, with Arteta’s team failing to convert any of their 23 attempts on goal.
Of these shots, just three were on target, and thus the need to add a player who can score goals and create them with frequency is pivotal.
One man who would do this is Napoli winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Arsenal may have received a substantial boost in their pursuit of the player.
Antonio Conte revealed on Saturday afternoon that the Georgian has asked to leave the Italian club.
“Kvaratskhelia has asked to leave the club,” the former Chelsea boss said.
“I spoke to Khvicha and he confirmed his plan to leave the club immediately.”
Arsenal were linked to Kvaratskhelia earlier this week, after it was revealed that Napoli are willing to sanction the 23-year-old’s departure in this transfer window.
While the Serie A outfit will likely demand a huge fee for their talisman, his desire to leave could aid Arsenal in negotiating a lower price.
The Gunners will face competition from the likes of Tottenham and Liverpool for Kvaratskhelia’s signature, although their ability to guarantee him minutes on the left-hand side in place of Martinelli could attract him to N5 instead of other destinations.
The explosive wide man scored 14 goals and provided 14 assists in all competitions during Napoli’s title-winning campaign in 2022/23, and has continued to contribute at an exceptional rate.
Described as a ‘superstar’ on X, Kvaratskhelia’s historically excellent productivity should certainly encourage Arteta to make a move for the player.
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Kvaratskhelia is a mix of Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus
The exact combination of attributes that Arteta’s team needs is up for debate, with the consensus around whether a winger or striker should be brought in constantly changing.
Kvaratskhelia represents an appealing option for Arsenal as he can do a bit of everything.
Writing on X, football analyst Ben Mattinson claimed that the Georgia international is a mix of Trossard, Martinelli and Jesus.
The expert didn’t clarify what exactly he possesses that is similar to each of the trio, although it’s clear when watching him.
Kvaratskhelia boasts Martinelli’s electric pace, Trossard’s intelligence and technical quality in tight spaces, and Jesus’ pressing and dribbling abilities.
If Arsenal do choose to aggressively pursue the player and ultimately end up signing him, it’d certainly be a major coup.
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