SETTABLOID

The North London Derby is perhaps the most important for Arsenal in recent memory. After losing their last two games, a third in a row and at home could be catastrophic for the morale of the fans and the team; but equally, a win could be the cornerstone for the season as the club’s league standing remains sturdy.

Arsenal will be without Gabriel Jesus now, who has suffered a serious knee injury, but the diagnosis is not expected to be positive – certainly not in the short term. The hope will be that business can be done but none will happen now before the derby.

Tom Canton

While Gabriel Jesus is a big blow, the news that others who came off against Manchester Utd should be fine is a boost and therefore Jurrien Timber makes my team. Myles Lewis-Skelly also persists having continued to impress since his push into the side.

Thomas Partey returns to the base of the midfield and Declan Rice, who did energise the performances against United despite the missed chances, should be a welcome addition again – both did not start Sunday and should be in good shape for the derby. Martin Zubimendi’s links to the club will surely see the England international maintain that eight role next season, and here we perhaps see the start to that preparation. Martin Odegaard looked much better on Sunday too, all he can hope is someone finishes off the chances he will inevitably create.

Kai Havertz is Arsenal’s only option and he will need the support of his fans in the ground in the week. Mikel Arteta spoke excellently on the topic and as he said less than a month ago the ground was filled with the chants of his name… support is needed.

Arsenal’s woes in attack look set to get worse for Mikel Arteta following news of Gabriel Jesus’ suspected long-term injury picked up in the Manchester United defeat.

The Gunners’ run without a win stretched to three games at the weekend as missed chances and a penalty shoot-out defeat dumped them out of the FA Cup. They are also eight points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool.

After losing Bukayo Saka to a hamstring tear before Christmas, fears of the worst-case scenario emerged when Jesus was stretchered off. The Athletic have reported that the 27-year-old is set for a long spell out through a suspected anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture.

Recent events could force Arsenal’s hand to strengthen Arteta’s options for the second half of the season. It has been reported that loan moves outside of England are understood to be considered as solutions for the remainder of the season.

A permanent arrival would be preferred but there’s more likelihood of the likes of Nico Williams and Viktor Gyokeres being pursued in the summer, rather than mid-season. So who is out there for Arsenal to consider?

Juventus’ Dusan Vlahovic is a striker that Arsenal have liked for a number of years, dating back to his days at Fiorentina. The 24-year-old has scored 12 times this season but could be available this month.

Mikel Arteta faced the media ahead of Arsenal’s clash with Spurs in the Premier League on Wednesday night. The Gunners boss has lost another forward player in Gabriel Jesus and provided the latest on team news including Jorginho and Riccardo Calafiori.

With Jesus out, there was a significant change in how he approached questions about the prospect of signing a striker. There was perhaps more optimism and intent about how he answered queries on the matter and it seemed very evident that there is a desire to find a player this winter.

We know more now and it’s not looking good at all. We need to review one more specialist, so we will probably know more information this afternoon.

Arsenal have won the race to sign Martin Zubimendi after the Daily Mail’s Sami Mokbel revealed an agreement has virtually been closed with Real Sociedad to bring the Liverpool target to Emirates Stadium, with the timeline of the deal and the costs involved also coming to light.

The Spain star was followed closely by Liverpool last summer as the Reds looked to make the Real Sociedad man the first signing of the Arne Slot era on Merseyside. But despite agreeing to activate his €60m (£51m) exit clause and having agreed personal terms with the player over the switch, an 11th-hour change of heart saw the move break down.

However, with Zubimendi then remaining with his hometown club for the season, speculation over his future has risen once again in recent weeks amid claims he remains on the Reds’ radar, while also coming under surveillance from Manchester City as they look to replace ACL-injury victim Rodri.

He writes that Arsenal have moved to trigger his £51m exit clause, and with negotiations now at an advanced stage, sources have indicated that the deal is virtually completed.

He claims that Gunners boss Mikel Arteta had wanted the move for Zubimendi done now but has been forced to put the move on the backburner with Sociedad chiefs making it clear to the player that, while they would not, or could not, stand in his way, their preference would be for the move to go through at the season’s end. As a result, Zubimendi has agreed to honour that wish.

The future of Ronald Araujo has been in focus in recent weekThe future of Ronald Araujo has been in focus this week, with speculation growing over a potential move away from Catalonia.

Barcelona, for their part, are not too keen on selling the defender unless they receive a favourable offer. Their priority is to convince the defender to extend his contract, failing which the club are likely to force him out.

Araujo, in fact, was closely linked with a move to Juventus. But his participation against Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup appears to have changed the circumstance, a bit.

Barcelona players try to convince Araujo

In fact, In the aftermath of Barcelona’s commanding victory in the Super Cup, a special moment was captured by Movistar+, showcasing Robert Lewandowski’s attempt to persuade Ronald Araujo to remain with the club.

Lewandowski was direct in his plea, stating (h/t MARCA), “Ronald, you have to stay,” followed by a look towards his teammates, confidently declaring, “He stays, he stays now. New contract.”

He further elaborated, “You can [leave] at the end of the season. It’s better for you. You play now, here you play.”

Araujo’s response was muted, leaving room for speculation about his future at Barcelona. His only clear word was, “Brother.”

Araujo’s contract situation is critical as his agents are actively exploring transfer options. Several European clubs have shown interest in the young defender, aware of his potential availability.

Juventus, as mentioned earlier, have made the first move by submitting an offer of €35 million, which Barcelona swiftly rejected.

It’s a fairly quick turnaround for Arsenal this week with midweek Premier League action on the horizon for Mikel Arteta’s side.

The Gunners host Tottenham in the North London Derby on Wednesday night (8pm kick-off) in what is the perfect chance to bounce back from the disappointment of their FA Cup exit. Arsenal were unable to get past 10-man Manchester United in the third round clash, going out on penalties.

It has increased talk over attacking reinforcements arriving at the Emirates Stadium before the end of the current transfer window. Teams now have just under three weeks to complete their business.

Arsenal sent transfer reminder

The injury to Gabriel Jesus in Sunday’s FA Cup clash against Manchester United has only increased the talk over the club moving for attacking reinforcements before the end of the January transfer window. The forward was stretched off the pitch in the 39th minute of the 1-1 draw, a game which Arsenal eventually lost on penalties.

Speaking after the game, Arteta said: “Big worry, that’s my feeling. He had to come off on a stretcher with a lot of pain, touching his knee. It’s not looking good.”

Kai Havertz took the role of central striker but saw chances to take the lead against the 10-men of United come and go. It has led to talk over potential January moves.

Arsenal scouts were among those present for the Taca da Liga final between Benfica and Sporting, according to various reports in Portugal. It’s no surprise that Gyokeres was on the scoresheet for the latter, with the game ending in a 1-1 draw and Benfica eventually coming out as winners after a penalty shootout.

It’s not said who the scouts may have been watching, Andreas Schjelderup, who has also been mentioned with Arsenal, was also on the scoresheet, scoring Benfica’s opening goal in the 19th minute.

Arsenal’s worst fears are that Brazil international striker Gabriel Jesus has suffered cartilage or ligament damage, according to the Daily Mail journalist Sami Mokbel.

The 27-year-old Gunners star picked up a serious knee injury during the FA Cup defeat to Manchester United on Sunday and had to be stretchered off.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed his worry after the game when asked about the injury, and the latest update could raise questions over whether Jesus can play again this season.

The South American may need to go under the knife if he has suffered cartilage or ligament damage, and he is unlikely to play again this season should he undergo surgery.

The number of months a full recovery will take after an operation could be much, and Arsenal may have no choice but to sign another forward during the ongoing January transfer window.

However, they will be keen to wait for the results of scans and consult specialists before making a decision, and there are just three weeks left for them to make up their mind.

The North Londoners are also without Bukayo Saka, and failure to strengthen in attack could end their Premier League title chances.

There have been calls to sign a new forward even when both Jesus and the England international were fit, and the Gunners may now be left without a choice.

The onus is on them to ensure they pull out all the stops and bring in a quality forward capable of improving their fortunes in the attacking third before the winter window closes.

Arsenal are out of the FA Cup, close to being eliminated from the Carabao Cup and will struggle to impress in the Champions League and Premier League with their current squad.

Arsenal’s struggle to find the back of the net is becoming increasingly problematic, with each passing week highlighting the issue further. Despite dominating their FA Cup third round match against Manchester United, the Gunners were ultimately defeated on penalties, missing out on yet another trophy.

Post-match, Mikel Arteta praised his team but admitted he was baffled by their loss. The absence of a reliable No.9 seems to be the glaring issue, one that Arsenal have yet to address despite numerous opportunities.

Kai Havertz has been leading their line predominantly, while Gabriel Jesus, now injured, isn’t consistent enough to guarantee 20 goals every season. Beyond these two, there’s a noticeable lack of depth in the squad, reports the Mirror.

When asked about the possibility of a new striker, Arteta said: “New striker? We missed form various ways and different players. I understand guys. I cannot love my players more. I focus very much on the ones that I have”.

Securing a good deal in January can be challenging, with clubs often hiking up prices. The chances of signing a proven player like Newcastle’s Alexander Isak are slim. So, who could Arsenal realistically target to solve their goal-scoring woes? Below are five players who could realistically make the move to north London this winter.

Liam Delap

Ipswich’s forward has caught the attention of Gary Lineker after his stellar performances with the Tractor Boys. Despite not getting many opportunities at Manchester City, Delap is now proving his worth.