Arsenal: 4 striker transfer scenarios for January window

2. Eddie Nketiah Leaves – Lacazette and Balogun Stay

It’s been made clear that Nketiah wants to leave Arsenal. He’s informed the club of his desire to do so, despite Arteta’s willingness to keep hold of him.

Why Arteta wants to do that is…a topic for another day.

In this scenario, some money (likely very little) makes its way to Arsenal in return for Nketiah’s services, with Balogun taking up the role of cup striker and backup option to Lacazette when Aubameyang departs for AFCON, or in the case of some unwanted injuries. Of course, Gabriel Martinelli will still be here, and he will be vying for that very same role if the centre-forward ploy persists.

Realistically, how much is Balogun going to play? The best thing for him is senior football but if Martinelli acts as No. 2 striker across January and No. 3 for the remainder of the season, the only way Balogun will be avoiding another half-season of Under-23 football is in the case of injury striking.

There always needs to be a contingency plan, like Arteta did with Nketiah last January instead of letting him leave, but it can equally backfire. After all, Aubameyang boasts an impeccable injury record.

What fee would be deemed worthwhile to move Nketiah on in January and potentially prevent Balogun from leaving on loan? That also needs noting, just as there being every chance a move may not come off until deadline day by which time the minutes will have been depleted even more for Balogun to make his mark.

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