Arsenal have missed out on both primary attacking targets this summer with both Joao Felix and Mudryk joining Chelsea. But there are still options in the market for the Gunners to make much-needed additions this month. In this piece, we explore five potential alternatives.
1 – Leandro Trossard
The tricky thing about January is the lack of player availability. Teams do not want to sell mid-season. That is especially the case when it comes to forwards, but a fallout in Brighton has perhaps opened a door for Arsenal to explore.
Last week his agent revealed he has fallen out with new Brighton boss De Zebri and he wants to leave. This could raise alarm bells at Arsenal, the last thing they will want to do is rock the boat when the squad harmony is so good right now. But Trossard looks like he is available and probably at a reasonable price, he is believed to have between 6 and 18 months left on his deal and will not sign a new one.
He is valued at 30 million euros on transfermarkt and has scored 7 Premier League goals this season. Crucially he has proven himself to be able to play on the left, right and through the middle.
Trossard is unlikely to be a player that would come into the starting eleven for Arsenal, but his versatility and Premier League pedigree makes him an option that would help this season’s title charge.
2 – Jesper Lindstrøm
A wildcard option, Jesper Lindstrom has been linked with Arsenal over the last 6 months. The versatile forward can play as an attacking midfielder or on either wing.
Lindstrom stands at 6ft tall so offers something slightly different to Arsenal’s current options in those areas of the pitch too. He has become a regular for Denmark in 2022, with 9 caps now to his name. For both Brondby and now Frankfurt, he averages a goal every four games.
The Danish international has already publicly entertained a possible transfer to north London after confessing he was left flattered by their interest.
“It’s a huge confidence boost. It is one of the biggest things as a footballer, so of course I am insanely happy,” Lindstrom is quoted telling Danish outlet Tipsbladet.
He added: “It is always great to play in the biggest league in the world, but whether Arsenal suits me is difficult to say. Right now I’m in a good place in Frankfurt. But it’s great that there are clubs like them that keep an eye on me. It may well be that something has to happen at some point, but right now I’m fine.”
3 – Ferran Torres
Arsenal reportedly had a £26million bid for Ferran Torres rejected in the summer and there could be an opportunity for the Gunners to go back for the versatile Spanish forward this month.
Ferran is only 22 years old but it feels like he has been around for a long time. His time at Manchester City was aligned with the time Mikel Arteta was an assistant coach there. If Mikel is interested in him with the knowledge he has on the player, then I’m all for it.
Ferran’s inconsistent performances have drawn some criticism since his move to Barcelona, but he is only 22, has obvious raw talent, knows the Premier League, knows Arteta and could play all across the front three.
Couple all that with the fact that Barcelona are in financial turmoil right now and this looks like a deal that would make a lot of sense.
4 – Kaoru Mitoma
Mitoma is a player most would not have known a lot about 6 months ago. The Japanese international is already 25, but after prioritising education over his football development, he is emerging onto the scene later than usual.
His performances for both Brighton in the Premier League and Japan in the World Cup have really caught the eye this season. None more than Mikel Arteta who would’ve found it impossible to miss his ability in Arsenal’s trip to Brighton on New Year’s Eve where the Japanese international nearly single-handedly brought Brighton back into the game.
Like Trossard, Mitoma has proven his ability against the best in the Premier League, so he’d be an option that would be able to give Arsenal an instant impact.
Brighton are notoriously tough negotiators and will not want to lose Mitoma midseason, so this one feels unlikely unless the player actively pushes for a move.
5 – Moussa Diaby
Arsenal have a long-standing interest in former PSG winger Moussa Diaby. Could this be the window a move finally materialises?
Sky Germany reported today that Diaby is a player that Arsenal are considering a move for. The Frenchman has been consistently one of the best wide players in the Bundesliga over the last few years and now could be time for the 23-year-old to finally take his next step.
But Bayer Leverkusen are unlikely to want to part ways with their star man in the middle of the season. Leverkusen are normally competing for the European spots, but after 15 games this season, they sit just four points above the relegation zone.
All this might reduce the chances of a sale, but on the other hand, a major bid could help the German club rebuild other areas of their squad that need attention.