Arsenal's hopes of winning their first Premier League title since the legendary 2003-04 invincible season may lie in some key signings during the January transfer window. Following a frustrating 1-1 draw with Fulham on Sunday, in which a late goal from Bukayo Saka was ruled out by VAR, Mikel Arteta's side now sit six points behind leaders Liverpool. While the Gunners have had some good performances, they lack the firepower to keep pace with the best of the Premier League. As the transfer window nears, Arsenal are reportedly eyeing several players who could help strengthen their squad and boost their title ambitions.
Arsenal Rival Barcelona for Jonathan David
One of the most wanted forwards in Europe, Jonathan David, is reportedly on Arsenal's radar. The Lille striker has been in scintillating form, with 17 goals in 23 appearances this season, and has netted 101 goals since joining the French club in 2020. His impressive goal-scoring record has caught the attention of both Arsenal and Barcelona, as reported by Mundo Deportivo.
The Gunners desperately need a proven goalscorer, and David fits the bill. Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz are currently Arsenal's top scorers, each with five goals, but the club lacks a consistent striker to push them to the next level in the title race. But the competition for the Canadian international is fierce, with Barcelona also keen to secure his services. The Spanish club is apparently keener on David compared to Sporting Lisbon's Viktor Gyokeres, and therefore, the battle for the forward will be a real one.
Gunners Target Joao Pedro to Bolster Attack
In addition to David, Arsenal are reportedly keen on Brighton's Joao Pedro, another attacking option to bolster their ranks. Fichajes claims that the Gunners are ready to splash up to £54 million to bring the Brazilian international to the Emirates. Pedro had a great season with the Seagulls last year, netting 20 goals in 40 appearances across all competitions. This season, though, has seen his form dip, with just four goals from eight appearances.
Despite this dip, Pedro's potential remains high, and Arsenal's interest is further complicated by competition from Liverpool. Jurgen Klopp's side has shown "strong interest" in the 22-year-old, even though they already have a wealth of attacking options, including Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota, Mohamed Salah, and Darwin Nunez.
Interestingly, Pedro has already caused problems for Arsenal this season, scoring an equalizer against them in their 1-1 draw at the Emirates, further proving his capabilities.
Arsenal Reject Bid for Jakub Kiwior
Arsenal's defensive depth is also being tested, with the club reportedly rejecting an opening bid of £12.5 million from Napoli for Jakub Kiwior. The Polish international has impressed since joining Arsenal, and his performances have caught the attention of several top European clubs, including Napoli, AC Milan, Inter Milan, and Juventus.
Kiwior's impressive performances at the back have quickly made him an asset to Arteta, and it seems pretty apparent that Arsenal aren't going to let him go for a rather modest sum. The Gunners will face further interest in the player come January, but it seems they're keen to keep him in North London for the foreseeable future.
Conclusion
With Arsenal seeking a rebound from a disappointing outing at Fulham, the hope for Mikel Arteta will be to land reinforcements that can push the club to the top of the Premier League. Jonathan David and Joao Pedro are two key players reportedly on the Gunners' radar, and both could provide the firepower needed for a title challenge. Meanwhile, Arsenal's rebuff of an offer by Napoli for Kiwior underlines the commitment of the Gunners to ensure their squad is strong in all departments, both in attack and defense. With the January transfer window looming, it promises to be an exciting period for Arsenal fans as the club looks to build on their early-season performances and challenge for the coveted Premier League crown.
