Arsenal’s current attacking injury crisis has them focused on signing a new attacker in the current transfer window, with several names linked with a move.
Club talisman Bukayo Saka is expected to be sidelined for at least two months due to a hamstring injury. To add insult to injury, Raheem Sterling, on loan from Chelsea, has been in poor form, missing five games earlier in the season with a knee injury.
Things got worse in the FA Cup defeat to Manchester United when Gabriel Jesus suffered a serious knee injury and is likely to be out for a long time.
Their offensive issues have been reflected in their recent performances. The team was eliminated from the FA Cup by Manchester United, lost 0-2 to Newcastle in the first leg of the semi-finals, and was on the verge of elimination from the League Cup.
However, Arsenal remains a serious contender in the Premier League and Champions League. They currently sit second in the league, six points behind Liverpool, who have a game in hand. However, they need to be at their best in the second half of the season and will definitely need more reinforcements this month if they are to compete for trophies this season.
Arsenal pundit calls for immediate reinforcements after Jesus injury
Exclusive interview with CaughtOffside Latest daily briefing columnArsenal expert Charles Watts has stressed that Arsenal urgently need to take action in the transfer market.
Watts says Arsenal may even have to overpay for an attacker in the January market, with the likes of Benjamin Cescó, whom the Gunners chased last summer, a prime target.
But he admitted that a January move seemed unlikely due to Cesco’s commitment to Leipzig and that Arsenal could reconsider the deal in the summer.
He said:
“With Bukayo Saka out they needed to do it anyway, but now that Jesus faces a long-term absence the need to act is amplified.”
“It’s clear they need more and the players who are already there need help. They look like they’re on fire at the moment. Confidence has been hit but they can’t be taken out of the front line because Arteta has no one else available. Help.”
“So the club needs to take action and in my view if they don’t it’s basically waving the white flag for the rest of the season.”
“I know January is going to be tough and the market is tough. But you can’t tell me that no one can come in and make big changes. It might mean paying an exorbitant price, but sometimes you have to do that to give yourself the maximum chances of success.”
“The irony is that Benjamin Cesc, the striker Arsenal really wanted in the summer, scored an absolutely stunning goal for Leipzig and at the same time Mikel Arteta’s goal The team is looking for goals against Manchester United on Sunday.”
“I would be surprised if Arsenal return Sesco this month because he made it clear last summer that he wanted to stay in Germany for at least one more season.”
“If Arsenal choose to reignite their interest in the Slovenia international, it does feel like a deal that will have to wait until the end of the season.”
Arsenal’s long-standing interest in Benjamin Cesc
Arsenal have already laid the important groundwork to sign Benjamin Cesc, whom they were interested in signing in the last transfer window. The transfer did not take place at the time and the 21-year-old decided to stay for another season and signed a new contract with Leipzig.
Sesco continues to impress in the Bundesliga, scoring seven goals and providing two assists in 16 league games this season, keeping his overall Bundesliga record at an all-time high. 66 appearances, 30 goals and 5 assists and overall advanced career statistics. 81 goals and 22 assists in 189 games in all competitions.
With the January transfer window approaching, Arsenal management are under intense pressure to add reinforcements and strengthen their attack. With the Premier League title race and Champions League still within reach, the Gunners’ ability to act decisively this month could determine their season.
