By Samuel A. December 26, 2022
Arsenal have had their best start to the season since 2003, losing and settling for a draw just once this season. The addition of Jesus, Zinchenko and the return of Saliba from a season long loan has brought balance to the team’s defense and attack as well. They’ve scored a whooping 33 goals, conceding 11 so far. However, one problem with the team is the lack of squad depth. With just a couple of players good enough for rotation, Arsenal’s depth isn’t good enough to contest for the Premier League title. They’ve also been dealt with a huge blow as Jesus picked up an injury in the just concluded World Cup. The Gunners forward was confirmed to miss the rest of Brazil’s World Cup campaign after being forced off with a knee injury in the 1-0 defeat to Cameroon. Jesus has played a key role in helping Arsenal to their best Premier League start this season with eight goals. Despite having Eddie Nketiah as a backup striker, it doesn’t seem enough for a team with premier league championship ambitions. Though they might want to wait till the summer, Arsenal still have to dip their hands in their pockets to get a new, befitting striker for the second half of the season. Here are five players that could interest Edu and Mikel Arteta :
1) Joao Felix (Atletico Madrid on Loan with Chelsea)
Atletico Madrid have put Felix up for sale this January due to his unhappiness at the club, and rocky relationship with manager, Diego Simeone. The 23 year old has drawn plenty of Premier league interest. While Man United want to fill the hole in their squad left by the axing of Cristiano Ronaldo, Arsenal should look to compete with them for the signing of the Portuguese talisman. According to the Daily Record, Atletico will let Felix go on a January loan deal for an £8 million fee.
2) Goncalo Ramos (Benfica)
With his World cup debut hat trick heroics and more, Goncalo Ramos is undoubtedly one player Arsenal should sign this January to replace Jesus. The 21 year old has had a stellar start to the season, with 15 goals and 6 assists to his name. He netted the first hattrick of the 2022 World Cup against Switzerland when he was deployed in the absence of five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo. Arsenal should try to get him as he’s a perfect fit.
3) Jonathan David (Lille)
Lille star, Jonathan David is undoubtedly another name to look out for in January. Though Arsenal have made enquiry about the striker, it seems rather unlikely that they’d get him, as they did in the Guimaraes saga last January. If the gunners are to remain in the race, Jonathan David could get the job done for them in Jesus’s absence.
