Mikel Arteta has identified a £50m striker as Arsenal’s primary target for the upcoming January transfer window.

Arsenal’s search for a new striker in the January transfer window has intensified after their recent struggles in front of goal.

Mikel Arteta has identified Mikel Arteta as their top target, with a reported £50m price tag. However, there are other options that Arsenal should consider as well.

The team’s scoring woes have been evident in their recent FA Cup defeat to Liverpool, where numerous chances went begging.

This inefficiency in the final third is not a new issue for Arsenal, as their attackers have often struggled to find the back of the net this season.

Despite their impressive expected goals (xG) statistics, the team has also faced difficulties in creating chances. Therefore, it is clear that Arsenal needs a prolific striker who can be a game-changer and elevate Arteta’s project to the next level.

It will be a challenging task to find a profile like that in January, but the Gunners have five options to consider.

Here are five strikers that Arsenal should focus on during the January transfer window.

The potential transfer of Toney to Arsenal has been a topic of discussion for some time now. The suspended striker has shown interest in joining the north London club.

However, reaching an agreement with Brentford will not be an easy feat. The Bees are reportedly demanding a fee of over £100m for Toney this month. This is a price that no club, except for Chelsea, would be willing to pay for the Englishman. This is especially true for Arsenal, considering their Financial Fair Play (FFP) concerns.

However, this link will continue to be in place until the deadline. Toney’s comeback after an eight-month suspension is imminent, and there is no question that he is the preferred striker among Arsenal fans.

Toney has consistently exceeded his expected goals (xG) every season since 2020/21, netting 20 goals in the Premier League last year. While his playing style is well-suited for a transition-focused strategy, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him excel in north London.

However, Arsenal’s pursuit of Amadou Onana may have to wait until the summer transfer window. Despite Everton’s willingness to do business, the Gunners have yet to initiate talks for the 22-year-old midfielder. While reports in Belgium suggest discussions are underway, Mirror Football can confirm that there is currently no active movement for a January transfer. Arsenal, facing their own financial constraints, need to prioritize balancing the books before making any significant moves in the market.

It is widely known that Arsenal’s financial capabilities have been restricted by the regulations of Financial Fair Play, which were imposed after their extravagant £208 million spending spree last summer. Consequently, their net expenditure has reached an impressive sum of almost £400 million over the past three years. In light of these circumstances, the club is currently operating with great prudence and caution. Therefore, it appears unlikely that a high-value transfer for Onana can be pursued at this time, despite the fact that he would undoubtedly enhance their midfield options.

Santiago Gimenez, the talented Mexican player, emerged unexpectedly and became a driving force behind Feyenoord’s triumph in the Eredivisie last season. Remarkably, he has carried on his impressive performance into the 2023/24 season, already netting 18 goals in just 16 games, surpassing his expected goals (xG) by an impressive 3.8.

This level of efficiency is precisely what Arsenal requires, and renowned Dutch figure Ruud Gullit has labeled the young striker as a perfect fit for Mikel Arteta’s team. Gimenez has thrived in a similar tactical setup under Arne Slot at Feyenoord, although there may be concerns about whether he can replicate his form in the Netherlands on a larger stage.

Solanke’s reputation in the Premier League has long been questioned, with many considering him unfit for the demands of the competition. Some believed he was too good for the Championship but lacked the ability to make an impact at the highest level.

However, the 2022/23 season showed glimpses of promise for Solanke, and the 2023/24 campaign has been truly eye-opening. At the halfway mark of the season, he has already had his most successful Premier League run, scoring an impressive 12 goals.

Under the guidance of Andoni Iraola and his pressing tactics, Solanke has become much more effective on the field. He has thrived in transition situations, showcasing his skills and making a significant impact.

Not only is Solanke a dominant presence, but he also possesses excellent playmaking instincts. There have been rumors linking him to Arsenal for a potential winter transfer, but Bournemouth will be reluctant to part ways with such a valuable asset, especially considering their ambitions for the season.