After two seasons of narrowly missing out on the Premier League title to Manchester City, Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal are finally free from the looming shadow of Pep Guardiola’s side.
City appear uninspired and adrift, leaving the title within reach for the Gunners, right?
At first, it seemed unlikely, with Liverpool surging ahead in the race. However, recent results—Liverpool drawing against both Manchester United and Nottingham Forest, combined with Arsenal’s comeback victory over Spurs—have made the title race wide open once again.
The gap at the top is just four points.
Liverpool may have a game in hand, but with the Merseyside Derby against Everton (led by a revitalized David Moyes), there’s no guarantee they’ll secure a win.
Four points.
And Arsenal still have a crucial trip to Anfield in May.
For Arsenal to secure the Premier League title, they need to replicate the kind of relentless winning streak that Manchester City used to close the gap in the last two title races.
And the key to achieving that is signing a striker.
When asked by Sky Sports about the possibility of making a signing in January, Mikel Arteta responded: “Yes, for sure, because we lost two big players—Bukayo [Saka], who could be out for up to three months, and Gabby [Gabriel Jesus], who will be out for a long, long, long time.”
He added: “We are going to try for sure. We are actively looking. We will try. Let’s see what we can get.”
So, the question is: what options are available?
Victor Osimhen
When aiming to strengthen your squad, targeting the best available player is always the priority. Victor Osimhen, a world-class striker, is currently thriving on loan at Galatasaray following a turbulent summer.
The Nigerian forward had a falling out with Napoli, and while the Serie A club remains open to selling him, it comes at a price.
Osimhen’s release clause is set at approximately €75 million, and Galatasaray’s loan agreement includes a €10 million break clause. In total, Arsenal would need to commit €85 million to secure his services—before even factoring in wages.
Victor Osimhen
Arsenal have shown they’re willing to spend big to address specific needs, even splashing out on a defensive midfielder with limited passing ability simply because he fit their defensive profile. If they’re set on signing Osimhen, they’ll pay what it takes.
Victor Osimhen would be a transformative signing for Arsenal. Superior to Alexander Isak, he has the potential to rival Erling Haaland as the Premier League’s top striker. While committing €85 million to his transfer would likely consume much of Arsenal’s summer budget, adding Osimhen to the squad would leave few other gaps to fill.
Dusan Vlahovic
If spending €85 million this month feels out of reach, Arsenal may need to seek value alternatives. Dusan Vlahovic could be the perfect option. While his form at Juventus has been inconsistent, he was a prolific goalscorer at Fiorentina, where Arsenal previously tried to sign him.
Juventus’ pursuit of forwards like Joshua Zirkzee and Randal Kolo Muani suggests they’re moving on from Vlahovic, opening the door for Arsenal to secure the Serbian striker at a reduced fee—or even on loan.
Jonathan David
Another cost-effective option is Ligue 1’s top scorer, Jonathan David. At 25, the Canadian striker is entering his prime, with 101 goals in 212 games for Lille. A clinical finisher, David has also delivered in the Champions League, scoring against top teams like Real Madrid, Juventus, and Atletico Madrid this season.
With his contract expiring this summer, Lille may be open to a discounted fee to avoid losing him for free. This could present Arsenal with a golden opportunity to sign a proven goalscorer at a bargain price.
Jonathan Burkardt
If Arsenal are looking to follow an old-school Arsène Wenger approach by signing future stars rather than ready-made ones, Jonathan Burkardt from Mainz could be a fantastic option.
The German striker has scored 12 Bundesliga goals this season, trailing only Omar Marmoush and Harry Kane. A powerful and agile forward, Burkardt excels in darting runs and sharp first-time finishes. His crisp ball-striking and eye for goal have earned him comparisons to a “mini-Haaland.”
Though Burkardt recently stated he’s staying in Mainz for the winter, Arsenal could leverage their ambition and resources to sway him. With Burkardt leading the line and linking up with Martin Ødegaard, he could help deliver Arsenal’s first Premier League title in 20 years.
