Arsenal pushing to sign £100m player in January. He could be Auba 2.0

It is possible that Mikel Arteta could find the missing puzzle piece…

Despite Arsenal’s impressive start to the 2023–24 season, Mikel Arteta and Edu Gaspar will likely desire for the January transfer window to pass.

The Gunners are positioned within one point of the Premier League leaders after 12 games played; nevertheless, the squad has been beset by injuries since the beginning of the season, reviving the depth concerns that derailed the north London club’s hopes of winning the league last season.

Arsenal’s recruitment priorities for the upcoming January transfer window may become more apparent in light of the absences of key personnel, with the midfield reportedly being one of the primary areas requiring evaluation at the onset of 2024.

Aside from the midfield, the Gunners’ ineffectiveness in carrying the line is a recurring theme; Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah are the only two identifiable center-forwards in the first team.

It is possible that Arteta could strengthen his forward options during the January transfer window, as several names have already been linked with a move to the Emirates.

The manager’s ‘preferred’ number nine target, according to Football Transfers, is Juventus talisman Dusan Vlahovic, the 23-year-old renowned for his influence in the final third in Italy.

The report discusses Arsenal’s previous attention towards the Serbian, who was associated with the Premier League club before completing his transfer to Juventus in January 2022.

The Serie A dynamo, who is valued at €80 million (£70 million), could be a costly acquisition as a forward, especially considering his poor form since joining Turin, during which he has scored just 21 league goals for the Bianconeri in nearly two years.

In closer proximity, the Gunners may choose a more dependable individual to lead their line in the future, as rumors of Brentford’s Ivan Toney resurfacing have circulated.

The Englishman, who praised the north London club on the Diary of a CEO podcast, has emerged as a potential talent for Arteta to consider, as reported by multiple news agencies that Arsenal is reportedly interested.

In September, The Mirror cited journalist John Cross as saying that Arsenal and Chelsea are both interested in signing the 27-year-old when his suspension from football for wagering violations expires in January.

In support of the initial rumor, The Mirror reported earlier this month that the Bees were planning to tag their star player for £100 million to deter Arteta and Edu’s interest; however, the situation may take an unexpected turn.

This week, 90min reported that Toney is ‘demanding’ a release clause in his current contract, which, if the agreed-upon fee is paid, could enable interested parties to seize him from Brentford’s grasp.

Additionally, it was stated in the report that discussions have taken place between the striker’s representatives from Arsenal and Chelsea, which adds intrigue to the storyline regarding his future endeavors.