Charles Watts: Arsenal unlikely to sign new striker in January

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Arsenal are looking for a new striker in the coming transfer windows, but according to Goal reporter Charles Watts, anything in January is looking ‘highly unlikely’.

Writing for Goal today and assessing the options available to Arsenal, which include Jonathan David, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, and Dusan Vlahovic, Watts played down the hopes of the Gunners doing business in January.

According to the report, the finances and difficulties involved in moving on key players to free up room means that Arsenal are unlikely to bring a new face in during January. Instead, it’s expected that the Gunners will look at the summer market instead. By then, Alex Lacazette could have left. While there remain question marks over the future of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

With Eddie Nketiah also set to leave, and Folarin Balogun due to be sent on loan in January, there could well be a huge chance for any incoming striker at Arsenal.

TBR’s View: Arsenal have to get their striker choice right, patience could be key

While finances play their part, it’s also imperative that Arsenal get the right player in. Yes, Aubameyang is struggling this season. But his shoes are still big ones to fill. As are those of the experienced Lacazette.

Whoever comes in will need to hit the ground running. Of course, Aubameyang may well still be in the squad. But the new man will be tasked with dislodging the Gabon star.

Ultimately, it’s a huge call for Edu and Arteta. There is little point them rushing into it in January if the right man is not available. So if it takes until the summer to get the right calibre of player, then so be it.