Arsenal may enter the market for a new forward in the January transfer window as they look to maintain their Premier League title challenge.
Bukayo Saka is facing a spell on the sidelines after having surgery on his injured hamstring and they don’t have an experienced like-for-like replacement for the winger.
“We are prepared if we need to do something, we’re capable of doing something, but then that transfer window is very tricky and difficult to control,” Mikel Arteta said. “The opportunities are very limited but we’ll be there.”
We’ve taken a look at seven potential targets who can fill in for Saka immediately and also provide him with competition when he returns to full fitness.
Bryan Mbeumo
Mbeumo helped Brentford win the Championship play-off final in 2020/21 and has since established himself as one of the best forwards in the Premier League.
He recently showcased his abilities in their 3-1 defeat against Arsenal, finding the back of the net with a clever left-footed finish past David Raya.
The Cameroon international now has 13 Premier League goals in 2024/25, making him the joint-third top goalscorer in the division.
“He’s added another layer this year,” Brentford manager Thomas Frank said. “I’m convinced one day he’ll play for a bigger club. I’d definitely buy him if I were at a bigger club.”
Arsenal, Liverpool and Newcastle United have all been credited with an interest in the forward, who is valued in the region of £50million.
Mohammed Kudus
After selling Declan Rice to Arsenal in a deal worth £105million in the summer of 2023, West Ham United used some of that money to sign Kudus from Ajax.
The 24-year-old has registered 17 goals and eight assists in 62 appearances for the Hammers and could now follow in Rice’s footsteps.
