Arsenal: 5 striker transfer targets after Dusan Vlahovic blow

Barring a late twist, it does not appear as if Dusan Vlahovic will be joining Arsenal in the January transfer window. Despite determined efforts it didn’t look likely from the get go.

Doubt is now creeping into Arsenal headquarters that a deal can be completed, with the player and his representatives keeping quiet throughout this saga as they aim to hold out for the summer when more destinations open up.

Which brings them onto their well-established list of options.

The name most are being drawn to – including this writer – is Alexander Isak, someone who could be brought in without so much as a phone call needed given he has a release clause in his Real Sociedad contract. Trouble is, however, that it’s a staggering £76m. And he’s only got eight goals this season.

Arsenal: 5 striker transfer targets after Dusan Vlahovic blow as Mikel Arteta and Edu try to sign centre-forward before January deadline

Along with him are the pairing of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Jonathan David. The Everton and Lille strikers, respectively, would be difficult to bring this window with neither parent club keen on a mid-season move, although they remain the names in the offing.

Moving away from the ones it’s known Arsenal are tracking, across Europe there are some other options that could entice the Gunners on their quest for a new centre-forward, one who could elevate this team to the next level.

It’s a vitally important signing to make for this club as they push for the top four and continued their rebuild, and while the ones listed below range from ‘project’ to ‘certified star’ and boast varying profiles, they’re still interesting options to consider.

So what alternatives has Europe got to offer then? Premium first class strikers are hard to come by but that shouldn’t mean we mustn’t keep our eyes and ears peeled for what could be. Let’s look into five that haven’t been mentioned.

All stats courtesy of fbref.com

1. Darwin Nunez – Benfica

Age: 22
Contract expiry: 2022
Rumoured fee: £50m

A certain Gabriel will be familiar with Darwin Nunez since he succeeded in keeping the Benfica striker quiet last season as Arsenal secured a two-legged victory over these opponents in the Europa League round of 32. Nunez has come a long way since then.

Netting 20 goals this season means he’s surpassed his previous season’s tally by six already, improving every facet of his game with and without the ball.

As with all striker targets, including those Arsenal are watching, it’s important to nail down what it is that Arsenal want. Given the wide range of profiles known, it’s hard to pinpoint that exactly. But in the case of Nunez Arsenal would be bringing in a highly versatile target man, who also isn’t a target man. Makes sense, right?

Not restricted to that role despite his big frame, Nunez has excellent acceleration, completing a high number of dribbles per/90 which has seen him play effectively out wide for Benfica this term. His pace isn’t restricted to runs in behind either as his ball carrying is slick and tight even at high velocity. There is real power in those legs.

Neat technical quality to drop off and link the play is improved by his clever movement. Fine intuition off the ball sees him adopt positions in between the lines just as his bending runs in behind show a maturity to his game that is impressive for his age.

But what about goals? He scores shed loads of them, both well angled low efforts and grubby tap-ins after a goalmouth scramble. It’s predatory instincts met with an ever-increasing all round style.

Physical domination balanced with high football IQ and pace to burn. A lot to like.

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