Mikel Arteta has plan to solve long-standing issue as Arsenal ‘look’ to seal £50m January transfer

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Mikel Arteta is keen to bolster Arsenal’s attacking contingent in the upcoming January transfer window. 

Arsenal were heavily linked with a number of strikers over the course of the recent summer transfer window. 

However, whilst Raheem Sterling arrived on loan from Chelsea on transfer deadline day to give the Gunners another option in the final third, Mikel Arteta was unable to add another centre-forward to his ranks.

Arsenal did try to sign Benjamin Sesko, but were rebuffed by the forward who opted to pen a new deal with RB Leipzig, where he is already established as a regular starter.

In Kai Havertz, Arsenal do have a player that Arteta clearly trusts to lead the line, and the German has begun the new season in fine form. However, the Spanish coach may well feel that he needs more impressive competition for Havertz in that part of the pitch.

• READ MORE: Every player linked to and from Arsenal in the summer 2024 transfer window

Arsenal targeting Dusan Vlahovic

In order to address this concern, the North London club are now set to rekindle their interest in Dusan Vlahovic.

Arsenal have tried to sign Vlahovic in the past, and it would seem that they are still not ready to abandon their pursuit of the Juventus star.

According to talkSPORT: “Arsenal will look to try and sign Juventus’ Dusan Vlahovic in the January transfer window again. A £50M price tag is being rumoured, with the striker into the final 18 months of his contract.”

Vlahovic’s current contract situation with the Italian giants may open the door for the Gunners to secure his services at long last.

However, Arsenal sporting director Edu Gaspar will be aware of the danger of the 24-year-old’s representatives simply leveraging the Gunners’ interest to secure a better contract offer for their client from Juventus.

Why Arsenal need a new striker

Whilst Havertz has impressed at the Emirates Stadium, Gabriel Jesus has endured a much tougher time of things since the start of last season. 

The Brazilian forward seems bereft of confidence, has been dogged by persistent injury issues, and looks utterly incapable of finding the back of the net. The 27-year-old has not scored a Premier League goal since January.

Arsenal fans slammed Jesus after his dismal recent display against Southampton, and it seems as though he is probably no longer a key figure in Arteta’s plans.