Arsenal’s hunt for a striker in the January transfer window appears to have taken another twist as their Premier League title rivals have pipped the Gunners to an opening bid.
The Gunners are looking to bolster their forward options in the market, following Bukayo Saka’s torn hamstring injury and Gabriel Jesus’ ACL issue.
With a lack of senior options up front, Mikel Arteta has already hinted that his recruitment team are working hard to find the right options.
Plenty of players have been linked with a transfer to Arsenal before the window slams shut on February 3rd, though one target could be pinched by their Premier League title rivals.
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Nottingham Forest submit opening bid for Arsenal transfer target Yoane Wissa
Arsenal have been linked with a transfer for Brentford striker Yoane Wissa as a potential option to strengthen the frontline.
The forward has impressed in the Premier League since joining the Bees from Lorient, for a fee worth in the region of just £8.5million.
His versatility has made him a dangerous option under Thomas Frank, capable of playing on either wing or as a centre-forward.
With Wissa’s goal-scoring form continuing, it comes as little surprise that the Gunners are considering the 28-year-old as an option with plenty of experience in the division.
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However, they aren’t alone in their interest as The Athletic claims that Nottingham Forest have usurped them to make the first bid in the transfer window.
The report states that a £22million offer was made from the surprise Premier League package this season to Brentford – with the hope of strengthening the squad for the remainder of the season.
The Bees are set to reject the bid, with it falling below their valuation of Wissa and the talent he possesses.
It remains to be seen if Forest will submit another offer, with a potential Premier League title charge on the cards.
However, it sets a rough marker for Arsenal as to where they must be bidding from, if they are to enter the race in a concrete manner.
Arsenal must avoid Yoane Wissa bidding war
If there is one thing that Arsenal must steer clear of in the January transfer window, it’s a bidding war of any kind.
The market is already tough enough to operate in, given the reluctance of teams to sell their best players, without adding in extra competition.
While the opening bid from Nottingham Forest for Wissa could open up a rough estimate for Arsenal to work off of, they shouldn’t get dragged into a bidding war of any kind.
| Appearances | 23 |
| Goals | 12 |
| Assists | 2 |
The club have transformed their transfer strategy to work off of signing the right players at the right price, rather than panicking and landing anyone that would fit.
If Wissa doesn’t come within the right budget the Gunners have in their mind, then they should avoid a move, even despite the potential panic caused by a current lack of forward options.
Meanwhile, if there is the possibility of what the club feel is a bargain fee, then they could land someone who can make an instant impact.
Whether Arsenal feel they can join the bidding table at this point remains to be seen.
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