5 players Arsenal could sign in January transfer window after Bukayo Saka injury

As soon as Bukayo Saka was pictured on crutches after Arsenal's 5-1 victory at Selhurst Park just before Christmas, the fanbase dashed to social media in unison crying out for January arrivals.

A hamstring tear and subsequent surgery means we won't be seeing our starboy in action for months, and Arsenal's season ultimately hinges on how well they can mitigate his absence.

Mikel Arteta has so far turned to internal solutions, and it seems as if teenager Ethan Nwaneri may be a legitimate option. However, one performance at Brentford shouldn't yet convince us all that our saviour has manifested via Hale End.

Suitable Saka cover was required in 2025 irrespective of injury. The winger requires respite, but now the club may need an external addition in order to sustain their challenges in multiple competitions.

Here are five potential players Arsenal could sign to replace the injured Saka during the January transfer window.

1. Bryan Mbeumo

Arsenal only recently caught a first-hand glimpse of what Mbeumo is about. Having initially thrived as a Robin-like figure to Brentford's batman, Ivan Toney, the Cameroonian international has thrived as the Bees' leading man over the past 18 months,

The French-born winger has 11 Premier League goals to his name this term and added to his tally against the Gunners on New Year's Day.

Mbeumo has so far thrived as a supreme counter-attacking force, but his directness, varied finishing, and ability to create destructive partnerships with teammates are all encouraging attributes.

He'll cost a pretty penny and perhaps won't be content with eventually playing second fiddle, but Mbeumo's attitude and versatility are to be admired.

2. Antoine Semenyo

Semenyo enjoyed a breakout calendar year, and he's another Premier League option Arsenal should be considering this month.

Oh, and by the way, don't you dare, Gooners, look down upon signing players "from clubs like Brentford and Bournemouth". Look where Liverpool shopped to build their title-winning outfit under Jurgen Klopp.

The winger has seven league goal contributions to his name this term but would supply far more than mere output. Semenyo is an immensely strong ball-carrier who's proven himself to be deadly when driving into the centre of the pitch from both flanks - predominantly the right.

The 24-year-old has spent the entirety of his senior career in England, and the boss would doubtlessly appreciate his efforts out of possession. Instead of overpaying for Matheus Cunha, Arsenal should be testing the waters for Semenyo.

3. Johan Bakayoko

The Belgian winger's stocks have slumped somewhat, and Arsenal could cash in this winter.

After recording 21 Eredivisie goal contributions for a title-winning PSV side last season, Bakayoko has found starts, rhythm and form harder to come by in 2024/25. He has five league goals and an assist to his name at the halfway mark.

The Gunners have been tenuously linked with a move in the past, and Bakayoko does seem like a player who'll be elevated by performing in Arteta's system. FBRef suggests there are very few superior dribblers outside of Europe's top five leagues.

He can beat his man both ways, but much of his brightest work arrives after jinking infield. Bakayoko's capable of slowing the game down when required and injecting life into attacks without warning. Having been convinced by Peter Bosz to stay in Eindhoven a couple of summers back, Bakayoko's 'malaise' over the past year suggests a new challenge is required.

Arsenal would be a big step, but he'd be a very suitable Saka cover option.

4. Takefusa Kubo

It may just be the player's agent attempting to drum up interest, but Kubo is nonetheless a name to keep an eye on this winter. Like Bakayoko, he's a good fit for the Saka role - even if the two young wingers shouldn't be expected to come in and perform at a Saka-like level.

There are bound to be acclimatisation issues.

Kubo is a diminutive winger with impressive one-on-one capabilities. He's adept off both flanks but perhaps isn't the electrifying or destructive talent Arsenal are after.

He's tidy, but likely to be more Denis Suarez than Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

5. Randal Kolo Muani

Arteta loves to speak about "market opportunities" and Kolo Muani is an option Arsenal, and many clubs, will surely explore this month.

Having fallen out of favour with Luis Enrique, PSG are ready to cut ties just 18 months after signing him for £77m for Eintracht Frankfurt,

The Frenchman would arrive at any new club with a chip on his shoulder with plenty to prove, but I'd only be signing Kolo Muani on a loan with an option to buy. There are too many uncertainties, for me.

Firstly, I'm not exactly sure what he is. He shone up top for Frankfurt but has been used in various roles at PSG and for the French national team. I don't think he's a great fit for Saka's role, and is more likely to be used as a #9 by Arteta. Moreover, Kolo Muani is far from efficient in the final third. He's underperformed his xG in his two seasons at PSG, including by a considerable 2.7 difference this term.

If I was Arsenal this winter, I'd be letting another club take a punt on Kolo Muani in January.

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