'Arsenal accelerate striker talks' after 'huge' development

‘Arsenal accelerate striker talks’ after ‘huge’ development

Arsenal are set to step up their efforts to sign a new striker before the end of the January transfer window in a desperate attempt to resolve their attacking issues.

That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that Mikel Arteta has become “very concerned” about the options in his squad.

This came following the Gunners’ exit from the third round of the FA Cup against Man United as they missed countless opportunities to win the game.

Kai Havertz’s performance has since been heavily criticised after racking up a total of 1.98 xG despite not hitting the back of the net, while he also missed the decisive penalty in the shootout.

Now, Gabriel Jesus has picked up a reported anterior cruciate ligament injury as Arteta confessed: “It doesn’t look good at all… We are very worried.”

With Jesus joining Buyako Saka and Ethan Nwaneri on the treatment table, Arsenal’s attacking options have been severely limited, and there is a growing desire to land a new signing.

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Arsenal set to sign new striker after Mikel Arteta green light

Brown told Football Insider in October that the Gunners have been plotting a move for a new striker – with their interest in a new forward long-standing.

Now, the former scout who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, has explained the Gunners are preparing to make a move happen sooner rather than later.

“Arsenal have been looking to sign a new striker anyway,” he told Football Insider.

“But after that performance from Havertz I’d expect them now to really step up their efforts.

“They’ve been limited with their attacking options after picking up some pretty huge injuries, but then the players who are fit have got to step up, and they haven’t.

“I think Arteta will be very concerned about their lack of clinical finishing in front of goal.

“Hacertz in particular was very wasteful against United, and that’s nothing new for him, I know Arteta likes what he offers but they need a goalscorer.

“So, before the window closes, I’d expect them to really try to bring in a new forward. Whether they can do that or not is a different question.”

In other news, Crystal Palace respond to Arsenal interest in Tyrick Mitchell.

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