Arsenal have been dealt a double transfer blow after hearing that January strikers Alexander Isak and Bryan Mbeumo are unlikely to leave Newcastle and Brentford this month.
The Gunners are desperate for a new striker after losing Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus and Ethan Nwaneri to injuries, with Mikel Arteta playing a makeshift striker with Raheem Sterling, Kai Havertz and Leandro Trossard in the 2-1 win over Tottenham on Wednesday night.
Arsenal have scored 41 goals this season but lack a reliable number 9 who can score goals in big games and add to the title, with Kai Havertz currently their top scorer with seven points in the Premier League.
Isak, who scored 15 goals in the league, and Mbeumo, who scored 13, have been identified as two strikers who could solve Arsenal's problem. Isak in particular has been in excellent form with nine goals in six games, which has only fueled speculation.
But any hopes of signing either player appear to have been dashed by their managers. Newcastle boss Eddie Howe appeared unmoved by speculation linking his star striker Isak with an exit and urged the Swedish star to focus on performing for the team.
Asked if Isak was the most wanted striker in Europe after the 3-0 win over Wolves, he replied: “Everyone says so, everyone says so! But I think he enjoys his football.
“We love having him here, we love working with him. The only thing I would urge him to do is focus on the next game.”
Meanwhile, Brentford boss Thomas Frank was very quick to dismiss the prospect of Mbeumo leaving in January. When asked if there was any chance his attacker could leave before the end of the period, he replied: “No. So that question is very easy to answer!”
Arteta was quizzed on the likelihood of the club signing a new striker this month after beating Spurs, and the Spaniard admitted they are “actively” hunting for a striker to strengthen their ranks.
Asked if he was in the hunt for a striker from Rio Ferdinand, he replied: “Yes, definitely, because we have lost two big players: Bukayo, who could be out for three months, and Gabby, who will be out for a very long time .for a long time.
“We're going to try [in this window] Certainly. We are actively looking. We'll try. Let's see what we can get.”
Comments