Five players Arsenal could sign in January to start the title fight, including former Premier League journeyman

Arsenal's quest for their first Premier League title since 2004 is already in jeopardy, with the January transfer window coming at a perfect time.

He gunners They currently sit six points behind leaders Liverpool at the top of the table, with Arne Slot's men also having a game in hand.

Despite the return of the influential captain Martin OdegaardArsenal have been inconsistent in the final third and are yet to show their usual fluidity.

Arsenal have been accused of relying too much on youth players Bukayo Sakawho has contributed nine goals and 13 assists in 24 games in all competitions this season.

The right winger has been directly involved in 15 of the 34 goals scored by the north London team in their 17 Premier League games so far.

But the Hale End star has dealt Arsenal a major blow following the hamstring injury he suffered in Saturday's 5-1 win at Crystal Palace. discarding it until February.

The bullies were already clamoring for Mikel Arteta to bolster their frontline in the New Year, but with Saka now set for a spell on the sidelines, that is now vital if they are to finally get their hands on the Premier League title for the first time in over two decades.

Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard – who have been rotating on the left wing – only have Premier League goals between them.

Meanwhile Gabriel Jesus – often used as a substitute striker behind Kai Havertz – has scored just three top-flight goals in 2024, with his recent brace at Selhurst Park ending a barren 11-month run.

For Raheem SterlingHis loan from Chelsea has not worked out so far, with the England international limited to just 146 minutes of Premier League action spread across six outings, and the player now ruled out with a knee injury.

and while Havertz He is a popular figure among the club's fans, he is not a lethal finisher, and it is known that Arsenal are looking for a new number 9 to improve their game.

Here talkSPORT.com takes a look at five players Arsenal could spend money on as they look to boost their title challenge after consecutive second-place finishes.

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Ademola Lookman

He 27 years He failed to reach the heights expected of him in England after coming through Charlton's academy.

He was somewhat flattered to deceive during his spells at Everton, Fulham and Leicester in the Premier League.

But he has transformed himself in Italy at Atalanta since moving to the Gewiss Stadium in 2022, where he is considered one of the best wingers in Serie A.

He already has 12 goals this season, having scored 15 and 17 in all competitions in his first two campaigns in Bergamo.

His versatility would also be attractive to Arteta, as Lookman could operate on both wings as well as up top.

Recently crowned African Footballer of the Year ahead of Mohamed Salah following his hat-trick in last season's Europa League final, Lookman would be an excellent addition to Arsenal's squad.

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Mohammed Kudus

West Ham's versatile striker Kudus is another potential option as Arsenal are known to be big admirers of the Ghanaian.

The Gunners were heavily linked with a move to sign the 24-year-old in 2023, but he was instead linked with the Hammers of Ajax in a £38 million deal.

He proved to be an instant success at the London Stadium after scoring 18 goals and providing seven assists in his 48 appearances in his first campaign.

Kudus has been involved in just five goals this season but has still caught the eye in what has so far been a disappointing season for West Ham.

And talkSPORT understands that Arsenal could make a move for the player in January with West Ham open to selling him for a sizeable profit.

Kudus has an £85million release clause that will be activated next summer, so Arsenal know they will have to spend big money to secure his services in the New Year.

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Mark Rashford

After having scored six goals against the Gunners, Rashford He may very well end up crushing them for Arsenal if he leaves Manchester United.

The 27-year-old, who has played on both wings and up top this season, is looking for a new adventure after revealing it last week. he is 'Ready for a new challenge' before the January transfer window.

talkSPORT understands United are open to offers for the two-time FA Cup winner who has scored 138 goals in 426 games for the club.

Rashford has been left out of the United squad in his last three games and all signs point to his departure in January.

Arsenal have shown in recent years that they are not afraid to poach star players from rival clubs, having brought in Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko from City, Havertz, Jorginho and Sterling from Chelsea and Declan Rice from West Ham.

If Arsenal look for Rashford, they would have to compete with three Saudi Arabian clubs, which have everything expressed an interest in signing him.

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Viktor Gyokeres

With Jesus able to cover for Saka on the right wing, Arsenal could look to sign a striker instead of a winger next month.

Rumors of an Arsenal move for the Sporting Lisbon goalscorer refuse to go away.

No player has scored more than the Sweden international in 2024, having scored a whopping 61 goals for club and country this calendar year, 13 goals more than Erling Haaland.

A physical specimen, the 26 years is the striker Arsenal fans are desperate to get their hands on, despite Troy Deeney warning the club that he won't win the league.

Gyokeres, who combines speed and power with lethal finishing, led Sporting to the Primeira Liga title last season after scoring 43 goals in all competitions.

And he showed what he is capable of at the beginning of November after scoring a hat trick against City in a 4-1 victory in the Champions League.

Given that Gyokeres has a release clause of around £85m, Arsenal have the option of signing him, but they know they could face competition from Manchester United.

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jonathan david

If Arsenal are looking to sign a striker to compete with Havertz and are not willing to spend £85m on Gyokeres, then Lille's David could be a viable alternative.

While many Gooners may roll their eyes at the Canadian's suggestion, the 24-year-old has been one of the in-form players this year.

The 2021 Ligue 1 champion has scored a total of 41 goals in 2024, with only Gyokeres, Haaland and Harry Kane having scored more.

He currently leads the French top flight scoring charts with 11 goals and is now third on Lille's top scorers list with 101 goals.

A cheaper option, David will become a free agent in 2025, with Lille likely to accept a lower fee for the player to avoid losing him for nothing.

Although Arsenal may have to act quickly if they wish to bring him to the club, with Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus, Inter Milan and Napoli rumored to be of interest.

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