Five Strikers Arsenal Should Consider Signing In January To Address Their Goalscoring Issues

The need for Arsenal to sign a striker in the January transfer window was highlighted in their 2-0 defeat to Newcastle in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night.

Mikel Arteta failed to take their chances during the semi-final first-leg, while Newcastle showed their attacking efficiency.

Alexander Isak showed what the Gunners are missing with his goal – the second time he has scored against Arsenal this season.

Arsenal’s top scorer in all competitions this season is Kai Havertz with 12. This compares to Premier League leaders Liverpool who have three players with just as many goals – Mohamed Salah (21), Cody Gakpo (12) and Luis Diaz (12).

A lack of creativity in the final third and goalscoring options up front are issues that will rear their heads again and again this season – unless an attacking signing is made in January.

Isak would be top of most wish-lists among Arsenal fans. However, one major sticking point is his asking price which is reportedly upwards of £115m.

Therefore a January signing would be unlikely for the 25-year-old.

Here, SportsCasting takes a look at five strikers Arsenal should look to sign in January who would improve their goalscoring fortunes.

Arsenal Striker Hunt: Five Players Gunners Should Target In January

Matheus Cunha (Wolves)

Matheus Cunha has been linked with a host of top Premier League clubs due to his stunning form for Wolves.

The Brazilian’s 10 Premier League goals so far this season could make the difference in Wolves keeping their place in the Premier League.

There will be only so much time that Wolves can keep hold of the 25-year-old forward but they will be determined to keep him until the end of the season.

New boss Vitor Pereira is adamant on not allowing the 25-year-old to leave Molineux this month. It seems more likely that the summer provides a better opportunity to land him. Unless, Arsenal table an irresistible offer for the striker in January.

One caveat is that Cunha has mostly played behind the striker at Wolves this season. He does possess the ability to lead the line, though Arsenal might pursue a different profile of striker.

Victor Osimhen (Napoli)

One striker Arsenal should consider signing in January is Napoli’s Victor Osimhen. After all, the prolific forward has fallen out of favour with the Serie A club.

He is spending the season on loan at Galatasaray – which was a surprising move for a player of his stature who is wanted by the top clubs in Europe.

Arsenal reportedly rejected the chance to sign Osimhen during the summer transfer window as he was too expensive.

However, he is only contracted for one more season after this, so Napoli will be keen to cash in on the Nigerian.

He is a guaranteed goal threat and is the type of signing that could make the difference for Arsenal.

Jonathan David (Lille)

Jonathan David’s goal contribution record is enough reason for why Arsenal should consider signing the Canadian striker.

In 2024, he recorded 57 goal contributions across the calendar year for Ligue 1 side Lille.

Across Europe’s top seven leagues, only Viktor Gyokeres (85), Harry Kane (61) and Mohamed Salah (59) recorded more.

He hasn’t got the same credit in the bank as some other strikers on this list. But 101 goals in 210 appearances for Lille since arriving as a 20-year-old in 2020 is an impressive statistic.

Though Ligue 1 is weaker than the Premier League, his goal tally is still at a very impressive level.

2024 ends with Viktor Gyökeres far ahead of everyone else in goals and assists 🇸🇪🌟 pic.twitter.com/7tJWiG0xd4

— Score 90 (@Score90_) December 31, 2024

Viktor Gyokeres (Sporting Lisbon)

Viktor Gyokeres is expected to join Manchester United because of Ruben Amorim’s switch between Sporting and Old Trafford.

However, Arsenal would be foolish not to consider a move for the Swedish striker in January.

The 26-year-old Swedish striker is averaging nearly a goal a game for Sporting Lisbon with 74 goals in 79 appearances.

He would also be cheaper than his international compatriot Isak at a release clause of £83m.

Gyokeres appears comfortable staying at Sporting until the end of the season. But if Arsenal want to improve their chances of silverware this season then they might have to try and spend big on a player like Gyokeres.

Dusan Vlahovic (Juventus)

Dusan Vlahovic is a player that has been linked with Arsenal for a number of seasons.

Though his stock has dropped since his days at Fiorentina, he is still an effective striker for a top club.

Arsenal have reportedly made enquiries for the Serbian who has 12 goals in 23 appearances this season.

Juventus are also reportedly prepared to cash in on the 24-year-old – making him perhaps the most attainable player on this list during the January window.

He is valued at over £50m but with his contract expiring in the summer of 2026, Juve could be forced to sell him for cheaper to avoid losing him on a free transfer.