DONE DEAL: Arsenal finally announce first January transfer signing as striker joined on Four-years deal

Arsenal has engaged with a striker from a prestigious club through his representation, as manager Mikel Arteta and the Gunners persist in their efforts to acquire a new attacker.

Arsenal explores the market for a striker following Gabriel Jesus’s injury.

Arteta will be without Gabriel Jesus for the entirety of the 2024/2025 season following the Brazilian’s ACL tear during their recent FA Cup loss to Manchester United.

The £265,000-per-week player may be out for nine months, potentially affecting the following season; hence, it is crucial for Arteta and his team to discover fresh striking alternatives to support Kai Havertz in the number nine position.

The German is now Arsenal’s sole option in that position, and should he sustain an injury, Arteta may have to depend on summer acquisition Raheem Sterling to assume the striker role, as he has previously done during his tenure at Manchester City.

Bukayo Saka’s unavailability until March further exacerbates the situation, given the England star’s vital contributions of goals and assists each season.

Arsenal faces the risk of falling behind Liverpool in the Premier League championship battle, having recently missed points at home against Aston Villa, while Arne Slot’s team secured a vital three points away at Brentford in stoppage time last weekend.

Arteta unequivocally necessitates support from the Arsenal board prior to the transfer deadline on February 3, and the acquisition of a proven striker would significantly enhance their prospects of overtaking Liverpool.

Arsenal is apparently pursuing Benjamin Sesko, perhaps advancing their ambitions to acquire him in January instead of this summer. Arsenal is contemplating Viktor Gyokeres, the Sporting Lisbon prodigy, as a prospective winter acquisition.

Another forward frequently associated with transfers during January is Juventus forward Dusan Vlahovic, who is now embroiled in a contractual dispute in Turin as his agreement approaches its expiration in 2026.

Arsenal is in discussions with Dusan Vlahovic through his representation.

According to Calciomercato in Italy, Arsenal has initiated discussions with Vlahovic through his representatives, as the north London club seeks to assess the feasibility of his transition from Serie A to England.

The Serbian international is permitted to depart from Juventus this month, however time is diminishing for Arsenal to finalise an agreement, given that Thiago Motta’s team must find a replacement at this late stage of the transfer season.

Juventus would require up to £51 million to approve Vlahovic’s move, however there is a strong likelihood that he may leave the club, which would represent an ideal resolution to his uncertain long-term future.

Arsenal had pursued Vlahovic for several years, initially attempting to get the 24-year-old from Fiorentina before ultimately being outmanoeuvred by Juventus in 2022. Reports indicate that Arsenal’s loan bid for Vlahovic has been declined, however this has not been corroborated by other reliable media outlets.