Arsenal want to sign a striker in the January transfer window, but Newcastle star Alexander Isak and Wolves’ Matheus Cunha now appear to be out of reach this month
Arsenal showed at Brighton on Saturday evening why Mikel Arteta is keen to bring in reinforcements in the January transfer window.
The Gunners were held to a 1-1 draw on the south coast as Ethan Nwaneri’s goal was cancelled out by Joao Pedro’s penalty. Arsenal were without Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber, among others, and lacked the cutting edge they needed in the final third.
Arsenal have long considered the idea of signing a new forward, but were reliant on Gabriel Jesus and Leandro Trossard on Saturday. They could move for a new face this month, but it is a difficult time to do business – especially with fellow Premier League sides.
With that in mind, here are the latest headlines from the world of Arsenal transfer news.
Isak speaks out
Alexander Isak has been on fire recently, scoring in seven successive Premier League matches, following Newcastle ’s 2-1 win at Tottenham on Saturday. The Swedish striker is arguably the best striker in the top flight and every goal he scores hurts Arsenal in particular, given their previous failures to sign him.
Paul Merson recently urged his former club to break the bank for Isak, even though he is valued at £150million by the Magpies. “If I was Arsenal and I had the money I would go out and buy Isak, I’d break the bank for him,” Merson told Sky Sports. “I think he’s the best of the best and he takes Arsenal to another level.”
However, that appears extremely unlikely, with Isak telling Prime Video Sweden: “Playing football at this level has always been a dream and probably the main dream that I’ve had. Playing in the Premier League for a club like Newcastle with a fan base like they have here is extra special.”
Cunha snubs Arsenal
Another striker who won’t be joining Arsenal in January is Matheus Cunha. The Brazilian has been in fabulous form this season, contributing 10 goals and four assists in the Premier League and has been linked with Arsenal and Manchester United.
But he has verbally agreed a new deal to stay with Wolves, ending any speculation over his future. The 25-year-old wants to stay put and play under new boss Vitor Pereira, rather than move elsewhere this month.
“He is a special player,” Pereira told Prime Video after Wolves beat Manchester United on Boxing Day. “He can do things that can make the difference in small details. Matheus Cunha is a player, in my opinion, who can reach high standards in this league.”
Tierney to Celtic moves closer
Kieran Tierney is close to sealing a move back to Celtic. The left-back has made 125 appearances for Arsenal over the course of his five-year contract, but is nowhere near the first team at present.
The 27-year-old is keen to move back to Glasgow, where he won eight trophies before moving to Arsenal for £25m. Arsenal opted not to activate a 12-month extension in Tierney’s contract and are in negotiations to let him leave.
He could sign a pre-contract with Celtic, to join in the summer, or he could be allowed to leave on loan before signing properly when his deal expires at the end of June.
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