Arsenal news: Mikel Arteta to look to January transfer market after Gabriel Jesus injury

Arsenal have endured a rocky start to the new year, with the Gunners picking up just one win from four matches. 

Mikel Arteta’s side crashed out of the FA Cup to 10-man Manchester United and were turned over in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final against Newcastle United in the space of a week. 

The North London club suffered a huge blow against the Red Devils, as striker Gabriel Jesus was stretchered off the pitch after 40 minutes. 

Speaking ahead of Wednesday’s North London derby, Arteta said Jesus’ knee injury was “not looking good at all”.

In need of a striker 

Arsenal struggled to finish their chances as they were knocked out of the FA Cup on Sunday, despite having 26 attempts on goal and producing an xG of 3.22. 

The Gunners are already without attackers Bukayo Saka and Ethan Nwaneri, but can now add Jesus to their injury list. 

Speaking to the media, Arteta admitted the North Londoners are hoping to bring in some new faces to bolster the squad.

He said: “ We are actively looking into the transfer market to improve the squad.

“We always have been, it would be naive not to.

“We are looking and we are trying, so let’s see what we can do.”

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Reigniting former interest

In January 2022, Arsenal were heavily interested in Serbian striker Dusan Vlahovic, however, the then Fiorentina man chose to join Serie A giants Juventus. 

According to journalist Nicolò Schira, the Gunners are actively monitoring the 24-year-old, whose contract with the Old Lady is set to expire in 2026. 

Arteta has been a huge admirer of the Serbia international and it is easy to see why. 

At six-foot-two-inches, Vlahovic is an absolute menace in the penalty area and has scored 53 goals in 124 appearances for a mediocre Juventus side. 

With the Italian club likely to demand around €60million for the forward, a move in the summer could seem more likely, but with the Gunners in desperate need of a new centre-forward, anything could happen.

Follow all the latest January window rumours and deals with Transfer News Blitz, and follow us on BlueSky as we continue to tell it like it is when it comes to transfer talk.

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