Arsenal have suspended their pursuit of Alexander Isak due to the high fee Newcastle are demanding for the striker.
The Magpies have slapped a £115million price tag on Swedish star Isak, forcing the Gunners to pause their pursuit of him this month. Instead, they will explore alternative targets as Mikel Arteta looks to strengthen his squad.
Striker remains a problem position for Arteta, with both Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus – who has enjoyed fine form recently – struggling for consistency. If the Gunners want to close the gap on leaders Liverpool, they may need to bring in a new striker this month.
But with Isak off the table, Arteta will be forced to look at alternative options. Here, Mirror Football looks at five players who could make the cut for Arsenal's transfer chiefs.
Victor Osimhen
Victor Osimhen has long been regarded as one of the best strikers in the world but struggled to make a move at Napoli this summer. Instead, he was forced to settle for a move to Galatasaray.
He has continued his good form in Turkey, scoring 13 goals in 16 games as his side move eight points clear at the top of the Turkish Super Lig. The 26-year-old is credited with steering a team to the league title after doing so with Napoli in the 2022/2023 season.
The Nigerian still has a £113m buyout clause in his contract, although Napoli are reportedly willing to sell him for less than half that amount in January as his contract expires in the summer of 2026.
Benjamin Sesko
Another option that could top the list could be Benjamin Sesko. The RB Leipzig star has continued his impressive form in front of goal, scoring 11 times in all competitions this season.
Sesko helped Red Bull Salzburg to three Austrian Bundesliga titles before winning the DFB-Pokal after joining Leipzig. Arsenal have previously been linked with the 21-year-old.
That interest could be revived, although he still has more than four years left on his contract. That could make it difficult to agree a deal, although Leipzig would likely be willing to accept around £66.6 million for him.
Viktor Gyokeres
It would obviously cost a lot of money, but if Arsenal want to sign a top striker this month, Viktor Gyokeres should be in talks. The Swedish star has impressed since joining Sporting Lisbon from Coventry City.
With Ruben Amorim having vowed not to pursue the 26-year-old, the path appears clear for the Gunners. Like the previous two players, Gyokeres is credited with steering Sporting to the Portuguese title, scoring 41 goals to secure the title last season.
He has continued his good form this season, scoring 21 times in 19 appearances. Although his release clause is believed to be around £85 million, it is believed Sporting would be willing to reduce that price tag.
Santiago Gimenez
Santiago Gimenez has proven to be a top-class striker and has guided both Cruz Azul and Feyenoord to title victories. He has scored at least twenty goals in both of his full seasons in the Netherlands so far.
Although he has two years left on his contract, Feyenoord are believed to be looking for less than £50m for him. Gimenez has not played for three weeks during the winter break of the Eredivisie, which means he must be fit and working.
Gimenez has been a target for several top clubs in recent seasons, although no attempt has been made to sign him so far. That could open the door for Arsenal to make a decisive move for the 23-year-old.
Ivan Toon
Okay… So this would be a step out of the blue. But Arsenal have long been linked with the former England international and brings the added quality of Premier League experience.
Toney moved to Saudi Arabia this summer but has scored just three league goals for Al-Ahli. He still has three years left on his contract, which could make it difficult to price him out this month.
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