Arsenal began their festive period in the best possible fashion on Saturday with a dominant victory over struggling Crystal Palace.
Gabriel Jesus continued his stellar form with a quickfire brace either side of Ismaila Sarr's equaliser. But the Gunners did not look back after that with Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli and Declan Rice scoring to conclude the rout.
The Gunners continue to sit six points behind leaders Liverpool and will be hoping the January transfer window could provide them with an opportunity to strengthen their squad. In our latest look at the media headlines, it appears that one position is looking likely to be the priority.
Arsenal's Kolo Muani transfer truth
The Athletic's David Ornstein has explained that while Arsenal have previously considered PSG's Randal Kolo Muani as a player of interest, there is no current suggestion that they will try and sign the forward in January. The 26-year-old centre-forward currently finds himself on the fringes of Luis Enrique's team and it is expected that he will depart this winter.
However, a move to Arsenal does not appear to be on the cards at this stage with a switch to AS Monaco seen as more likely for him. Kolo Muani has scored just two goals in 14 appearances this season and has been left out of PSG's previous two squads in Ligue 1.
What FL says: As much as you could see Kolo Muani coming good again in the future, at this stage a loan move to Arsenal wouldn't strengthen Mikel Arteta's attack. He has not been prolific this season and he would need time to catch up once signed. The Gunners need a striker who can become an instant starter not just another name to help with rotation. Perhaps if they could sign him permanently and see him as a player for the future, that move would make sense but on loan to the summer would be uninspiring.
Sesko preference explained
According to Football Transfers, Arsenal remain determined to sign RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko. The 21-year-old has 11 goals in 23 appearances to his name this season and is believed to be Arteta's first choice for the striker position.
Sesko signed a new contract in Germany back in the summer but it is thought the Slovenian would eventually be open to a move to the Premier League in a boost to Arsenal. Sporting's Viktor Gyokeres is also being considered as a back-up option but Manchester United seem to be the favourites for his signature.
What FL says: A move for Sesko in January seems difficult considering Leipzig's likely reluctance to let their striker leave in the winter when it is harder to replace him. That being said, can Arsenal afford to wait until the summer to sign a centre-forward? Doing so would be an acceptance that this season is written off now and Liverpool are uncatchable which, after being runners-up to Manchester City, would be unpalatable to supporters. But realistically, Arsenal may have to work with who is currently in the building and hope that Jesus's current up-turn in form gives the Gunners the boost their title race desperately needs.
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Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus with the Arsenal Therapy Dog Win during the Arsenal Men's team group shoot at London Colney on September 18, 2023
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