Vlahovic, Osimhen and Toney: Three strikers Arsenal could sign in January

Arsenal are looking to sign a striker in the January transfer window, according to highly respected journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The Gunners struggled to score goals at the start of the season, but the technical excellence of Emile Smith Rowe and Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang recapturing his best form, Arsenal have recovered from their slump and look real contenders for the top four.

Gabriel Martinelli is slowly getting cameos as he recovers from injury.

He has proven himself capable of leading the line, but, with doubts about his long-term fitness, Aubameyang’s inconsistency and Alexandre Lacazette’s poor form, it’s clear why Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta will dip into the market.

Signing a striker now, instead of the summer, could prove to be a great idea.

Arsenal’s targets were severely limited after they failed to secure any notion of European football, not even the newly formed Europa Conference League.

So now, in a time where they look good value for a top four spot while playing good football, they would attract a higher calibre of player.

So, here’s three striker’s Arsenal could sign in the January transfer window.

1) Dusan Vlahovic

Arsenal are reportedly long-term admirers of the Serbian, who has enjoyed a fantastic 2021 with Fiorentina.

He’s gone on record and straight up told the Viola he won’t be renewing his contract, which expires at the end of next season.

Due to his refusal to sign a new contract, Fiorentina will most likely unload him in January or at the end of the season, to recoup some money and avoid the risk of losing him for free.

The striker, who hails from Belgrade, only turns 22 on January 28, and has scored an astonishing 28 goals in 38 games in Italy’s top flight in 202.

He currently has 12 goals in 15 games this season.

For a team that relies on consistency up top, it could be time for Arsenal to sign the big Serb, who is one of Europe’s most potent finishers.

Another big plus for Arsenal is that Vlahovic is reportedly keen on moving on from Serie A and wants to ply his trade in the Premier League, with north London rivals Tottenham also registering their interest.

2) Victor Osimhen

Staying in Italy, and the Gunners may want to take a look at Napoli’s main striker.

Arsenal were reportedly interested in Osimhen at Lille, but were put off by his hefty asking price, and the Nigerian moved to Naples.

The youngster turns 23 at the end of the month, and at the start of November was ruled out for three months as his eye came out of its socket.

It was a pretty gruesome injury that required 18 screws being inserted into his cheekbone.

This, along with strong interest from the Gunners potentially unsettling the Lagos-born striker, may persuade high-flying Napoli into selling him.

With five goals in 11 games in Serie A, he too knows exactly where the net is.

3) Ivan Toney

Brentford hitman Ivan Toney is slightly different to Osimhen and Vlahovic.

While he offers the same physical presence, the two Serie A strikers are arguably more refined than Toney and are both more natural finishers who are younger and wouldn’t cost the English premium.

Despite the negatives, Toney’s game is more based on resilience, chasing lost balls and running the whole 90 minutes.

That tireless work ethic, combined with his physical presence and a good eye for goals, could sway Arsenal’s decision, as their performances lack that cutting edge that Toney could provide.