Arsenal's January transfer window priority: a new forward for Mikel Arteta

Arsenal are being urged to act decisively in the January transfer window by signing a first-team forward, according to Football London. The Gunners have failed to make a senior winter signing in 2026, 2025 and 2024, and pressure is mounting on Mikel Arteta to reinforce his attack.

  • Competition: Premier League
  • Key issue: Arsenal have not made a single senior winter signing in 2026, 2025 or 2024
  • Positions targeted: Forward, specifically left winger and centre-forward cover
  • Recent failed moves: Morgan Rogers, Vinicius Junior, Julian Alvarez
  • Names to monitor: Eli Junior Kroupi and Kevin Schade
  • What's at stake: Arsenal's title push and squad depth in attack

Deal details

The source report does not confirm any specific transfer fee, contract length or agreed deal. It states that Arsenal wanted to add another forward in the most recent summer window and made moves for Morgan Rogers, Vinicius Junior and Julian Alvarez, all of which proved fruitless for a variety of reasons.

Antoine Semenyo was among the players Arsenal admired, but Manchester City were the only viable option to make a move earlier this year, while Arsenal and Liverpool would have had to wait until the summer. The report adds that Eberechi Eze and Viktor Gyokeres have maintained their places in the squad as the second-choice left winger and centre-forward respectively.

Injury and availability

The source does not report any injuries. Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli have departed the club, according to the report, with Christos Tzolis the only incoming addition in that area. Arsenal's current forward options include Eberechi Eze and Viktor Gyokeres, both of whom faced scrutiny after outings against Ipswich Town, with Gyokeres in particular under the spotlight.

Why Arsenal cannot afford another quiet January

Mikel Arteta has seen his squad evolve, but the departure of Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli has left a void in wide areas. The only incoming addition in that department was Christos Tzolis, meaning the Gunners are relying on Eberechi Eze and Viktor Gyokeres to provide cover. Both struggled to convince against Ipswich Town, with Gyokeres in particular drawing attention, and that has sharpened the debate around whether Arsenal have enough proven support if injuries hit their regular starters.

The summer attempts to sign Morgan Rogers, Vinicius Junior and Julian Alvarez show that the club recognised the need for another forward. Those moves failed for a variety of reasons, but the logic behind them has not disappeared. In fact, letting two experienced wide options go and replacing them with only one addition always carried risk. When the backup attackers then struggle to convince, the conversation becomes unavoidable.

January is a notoriously difficult market in which to do ideal business. Suitable forwards are often scarce, expensive and expected to deliver immediately. Football London adds that Eli Junior Kroupi and Kevin Schade are both names to monitor, which may prove significant if Arsenal revisit the market with urgency. The recruitment team must already have realistic alternatives lined up, whether that means a Premier League-proven option, a younger profile with upside, or a short-term solution who can contribute straight away.

Talking points

  • Should Arsenal prioritise a left winger or a centre-forward, given Eze and Gyokeres are already covering both roles?
  • Is missing out on Morgan Rogers, Vinicius Junior and Julian Alvarez a sign of poor planning or simply bad timing in the market?
  • Would signing Eli Junior Kroupi or Kevin Schade represent enough ambition for a club chasing the title?
  • Can Arteta afford to wait until the summer again, or is a January signing now essential to sustain a title push?

What happens next

The January transfer window is the next major decision point for Arsenal. With the club having failed to make a senior winter signing in three consecutive years, supporters will expect groundwork to be done now. If top targets remain unavailable, the recruitment team must already have alternatives lined up. The stakes are clear: act decisively or risk the same issues resurfacing later in the season.

Frequently asked questions

Who are Arsenal targeting in the January transfer window?

According to Football London, Eli Junior Kroupi and Kevin Schade are names to monitor, while Arsenal have previously admired Antoine Semenyo.

Why have Arsenal not signed a forward in January before?

The report states that Arsenal have previously been limited by finances, availability and timing, which can shape a January strategy before it properly begins.

Who did Arsenal try to sign in the summer?

Arsenal made moves for Morgan Rogers, Vinicius Junior and Julian Alvarez, all of which proved fruitless for a variety of reasons.

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