Arsenal - Mikel Arteta
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal find themselves in a strong position in the Premier League table, but the injury to star winger Bukayo Saka has thrown a wrench into their plans. The England international is set to miss “many weeks” after being forced off during the first half of Arsenal’s 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace on Saturday.
With a congested January fixture schedule looming, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta faces a critical decision: rely on existing squad depth or venture into the transfer market to secure reinforcements.
After an active summer that saw the arrivals of Riccardo Calafiori and Mikel Merino, Arteta may now need to consider player departures and potential new signings to address Saka’s absence. Speaking after confirming the winger’s injury, Arteta hinted at ongoing strategic planning but remained tight-lipped about possible additions.
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“I’m putting some ideas together,” Arteta said. “I haven’t got there yet, but I have a few. I want to speak with the players as well and take it in a positive way. It means we’re going to be different. We’ve been through periods with Martin [Odegaard] missing and times when five or six defenders were out. We’re approaching this with positive energy.”
Bukayo Saka
Bukayo Saka sustained a hamstring injury against Crystal Palace (Image credit: Getty Images)
The Gunners’ attacking options have come under scrutiny, with fans calling for reinforcements to bolster their title bid. Arsenal are chasing their first Premier League trophy in over two decades, but injuries and inconsistent performances from key forwards have raised concerns.
Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard, who have alternated on the left wing, have struggled to find the net consistently. Gabriel Jesus, primarily used as a back-up striker to Kai Havertz, broke an 11-month goal drought with a recent brace against Crystal Palace but has only managed three league goals in 2024. Raheem Sterling, on loan from Chelsea, has also failed to impress, registering just 146 minutes across six league appearances before suffering a knee injury.
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One name reportedly on Arsenal’s wishlist is Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman. The versatile Nigerian international has flourished in Serie A since joining Atalanta in 2022. He has already scored 12 goals this season, building on impressive tallies of 15 and 17 goals in his previous campaigns.
Ademola Lookman - Arsenal
Ademola Lookman (image credit: Getty Images)
Lookman, recently crowned African Footballer of the Year for his stellar performances, including a hat-trick in last season’s Europa League final, would bring dynamism and versatility to Arsenal’s attack. His ability to play on either wing or as a striker could provide much-needed flexibility for Arteta as the team copes with Saka’s absence.
The Super Eagles forward is reportedly open to a move back to the Premier League, but a January deal could be challenging with Atalanta competing for major trophies this season.
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