Arsenal’s recent 1-1 stalemate against Fulham has intensified discussions around potential January signings, with the Gunners sitting six points adrift of Premier League leaders Liverpool. Despite William Saliba’s equalizer after Raul Jimenez’s opener, Mikel Arteta’s side couldn’t secure the victory at Craven Cottage. Adding to their frustration, Bukayo Saka’s last-minute goal was overturned by VAR, leaving Arsenal fans yearning for a game-changer.
With the transfer window approaching, Arsenal are reportedly exploring options to strengthen their squad for a title push. Here’s a roundup of the latest developments:
Arsenal Competes with Barcelona for Jonathan David
Lille forward Jonathan David has become a hot commodity in European football. The 23-year-old Canadian international boasts an impressive record, netting 17 goals in 23 appearances this season and 101 goals since joining Lille in 2020.
David’s consistency has caught the attention of Arsenal, who are eager to bolster their attacking lineup. However, Barcelona is equally keen, considering him a priority target over other forwards like Viktor Gyökeres of Sporting Lisbon. Reports suggest Bayern Munich, Manchester United, and PSG are also monitoring David, indicating stiff competition for his signature.
Arsenal’s current reliance on players like Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz, each with just five league goals this season, underscores their need for a prolific striker. Securing David could be pivotal in reigniting their title ambitions.
Gunners Pursue Brighton’s Joao Pedro
Brighton & Hove Albion’s Joao Pedro is another name on Arsenal’s radar. Reports claim the North London club is willing to offer £54 million to lure the Brazilian forward away from the Amex.
Pedro, who scored 20 goals in 40 appearances last season, has had a quieter campaign this year with four goals in eight matches. Notably, one of his strikes came against Arsenal earlier this season, frustrating Arteta’s men in a hard-fought draw.
Arsenal faces competition from Liverpool, who are reportedly interested in Pedro despite their already formidable attacking options.
Jakub Kiwior Attracts European Interest
On the defensive front, Arsenal has rejected a £12.5 million bid from Napoli for Polish center-back Jakub Kiwior. The 24-year-old defender has drawn interest from top Serie A clubs, including AC Milan, Inter Milan, and Juventus, ahead of the January window.
Arsenal reportedly values Kiwior at closer to £20 million. Although he has only made two Premier League starts this season, his performances since joining in 2022 have made him a sought-after talent in Europe.