The Daily Star Sport examines five offensive possibilities Mikel Arteta may buy after Gary Neville criticized Arsenal’s lack of options after their goalless draw with Newcastle.
Gary Neville slammed Arsenal’s squad depth against Newcastle (Image: PA)
Arsenal’s title challenge hit a hurdle on Tuesday evening as they were held to a goalless draw at the Emirates by high-flying Newcastle.
And as the Gunners seemingly ran out of ideas on the pitch, Mikel Arteta only made one change – as Arsenal’s squad depth was laid bare. One of Arsenal’s biggest problems is their lack of attackers following Gabriel Jesus’ injury.
Gary Neville said on Sky Sports: “There just isn’t really that option to make Arsenal a lot better in the striking position. They’ve got what they’ve got.” And Daily Star Sport is looking at five options Arteta could look at as the January transfer window opens.
Marcus Thuram
Marcus Thuram is out of contract in the summer (Image: Getty Images)
Marcus Thuram has long since been touted as one of France’s hottest young talents, but at 25-year-old, Thuram has so far failed to deliver on his sky-high expectations.
However, Thuram has developed into a solid striker – and he could be a great backup option for Jesus when he returns to the first-team picture.
Thuram is out of contract over the summer, and Borussia Monchengladbach could look to sell the Frenchman for a cut price to avoid him leaving on a free over the summer.
Goncalo Ramos
Goncalo Ramos was one of the breakout stars of the World Cup (Image: Getty Images)
Before the World Cup, Goncalo Ramos could have been the steal of January – but after a hat-trick on his first World Cup start, Ramos’ stock has rocketed.
Ramos is currently the top scorer in the Primeira Liga, netting nine goals and providing three assists in 12 games. On top of that, Ramos found the net three times in four World Cup caps for Portugal in Qatar.
After Liverpool’s mega-money deal for Darwin Nunez over the summer, Benfica could drive a hard bargain for the 21-year-old.
Jonathan David
Jonathan David has been linked for a Premier League move since 2020 (Image: ANP via Getty Images)
Jonathan David has been linked with a move to the Premier League on numerous occasions, and it might be now-or-never for the highly-rated Canadian.
The young Lille talent is still very raw, but he’s exactly the type of player that would excite Mikel Arteta. While David isn’t an out-and-out attacker, he could fill the role until Jesus is fit and then drop backing into midfield or play on the wing.
David has netted nine times in Ligue 1 this season – however, Lille might demand around £40million for his services.
Jesus Ferreira
Jesus Ferreira is looking for a move to Europe (Image: Omar Vega/Getty Images)
Jesus Ferreira is one of the biggest hopes of American football – and he excelled in the MLS last season, netting 18 goals for FC Dallas, earning him a World Cup call-up.
Ferreira is due a move to Europe, and a move to Arsenal could prove to be the perfect opportunity. The young American won’t command too high of a transfer fee either, with the FC Dallas hitman being valued at just under £8million.
However, Ferreira’s minutes in Qatar were limited to just a 45-minute cameo.
Olivier Giroud
Olivier Giroud could be set for a second Arsenal stint (Image: Getty Images)
Perhaps the most unlikely on this list is former Gunner Olivier Giroud, who has been linked with a move away from AC Milan this winter.
Manchester United are reportedly exploring the possibility of landing Giroud on loan – so what’s stopping Arsenal from hijacking the deal? While Giroud doesn’t fit into Arteta’s young upstarts Arsenal, he has a proven record of scoring at the Emirates.
Giroud is also out of contract in the summer.
source: https://www.dailystar.co.uk/
