Arsenal are unlikely to make an approach to sign Napoli striker Victor Osimhen next year, according to The Athletic journalist David Ornstein.
The Gunners have had a fine start to the campaign with 20 points from eight league games and they are only behind leaders Tottenham Hotspur in terms of goals scored.
The club look good value to challenge for the top-flight title again, but there have been questions raised over the contributions of Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah in the final third.
The duo have netted just three goals in the top-flight this term and much more is expected from them.
This has led to speculation that the Gunners could pursue a new striker in the next transfer window, but Ornstein does not believe that the north London giants are looking for one.
In a Q&A session on The Athletic, Ornstein said that he does not see the Gunners going for Osimhen due to the price and profile of the Nigerian star.
He said: “In terms of price and profile, I don’t see Arsenal going for Osimhen. I suspect he is on their list, like he will be for all the top sides.”
“Indeed, the pool of quality strikers is so small at present that any big club looking to sign one in January or next summer are likely to be studying the same names – Osimhen, Martinez, Ferguson, Sesko, Boniface etc.”
The reputed journalist added that Mikel Arteta’s side are not focusing on recruiting a striker in January and it is more likely at the end of the season.
He added: “As things stand I don’t think Arsenal are focusing on recruiting a striker in January; my sense is that is more likely to be on the agenda next summer. Things can change, of course… injury, bids for your existing players and other factors.”
“However, right now, Arsenal have Jesus, Nketiah and Havertz, as well as goalscoring contributors like Saka, Martinelli, Odegaard and Trossard. They will hope that serves them well this season and then they can look at the situation subsequently.”
Arsenal need a marquee striker signing in January
The Gunners have managed to carry over the form from last season, but they need more firepower in the number nine role to challenge for the title.
Jesus and Nketiah have impressed with their tireless work rate and high pressing in the final third, but have letdown the team with their finishing.
The north London derby was a prime example where both Nketiah and Jesus should have scored. The club ended up dropping valuable points.
In our view, a top-class striker with a proven Premier League record should be signed in January. Brentford’s Ivan Toney would be ideal.
The Englishman netted 20 times in the top-flight last term. He will be allowed to play again following his ban for FA betting breaches in January.
He won’t come on the cheap, however, with a price tag of around £80 million.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
