Mikel Arteta wants Arsenal to sign ‘lightning’ striker instead of direct Bukayo Saka replacement

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Arsenal saw off Brentford on New Year’s Day but with the January transfer window now open, Mikel Arteta has his eyes on a new forward to ease the pain of Bukayo Saka’s injury.

Saka is out until March and while Ethan Nwaneri impressed in Saka’s place, the Gunners could very much still do with another option.

Mikel Arteta has said that Nwaneri would play even if Arsenal signed a new player to replace Saka.

However, it might not actually be a direct replacement for Saka that Arteta is pushing his board for in the January window.

In fact, it’s a long-term central striking target who the Arsenal boss is hoping to sign.

Mikel Arteta wants Arsenal to sign Dusan Vlahovic

It wouldn’t be a transfer window in recent years without Dusan Vlahovic being linked with Arsenal but we are here again.

According to journalist Rudy Galetti, Vlahovic tops Mikel Arteta’s list of potential signings in the final third, rather than a direct replacement for Saka.

Taking to X to confirm the new, Galetti has claimed that Vlahovic is the main target, while Bryan Mbuemo, Bynoe Gittens, and Leroy Sane are also mentioned.

What’s been said about Dusan Vlahovic to Arsenal in the past?

The Serbian striker was seen as the ideal signing for Arsenal before he landed in Turin a few seasons back.

However, Vlahovic has been linked with Arsenal ever since. Indeed, it’s suggested Arsenal flew scouts out to watch Vlahovic again just a few months back.

With so many demanding Arsenal sign a new number nine, the signing of Vlahovic makes sense for the Gunners right now.

There have been suggestions Vlahovic doesn’t fancy a move to England but having never really fulfilled his potential at Juventus, he could well fancy the move now.

Vlahovic has also impressed Micah Richards with his pace in the past.

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live in December 2021, Richards said: “I have watched him a couple of times now. He is lightning. It’s ridiculous. He has got 16 in 18 this season. His left foot is like a wand.”

Arsenal, then, could very much do with Vlahovic to try and catch up with Liverpool.