5 forwards Arsenal could sign in final week of transfer window

The summer transfer deadline looms and the consensus belief is that Arsenal need one more.

The Gunners have endured a fairly quiet window thus far, with the club confirming the permanent arrival of David Raya and signing overseas stars Riccardo Calafiori and Mikel Merino. Needs on the left-side of the defence and in midfield have been fulfilled, but their frontline remains untouched.

There was interest in Benjamin Sesko at the start of the window, while rumours have persistently surfaced regarding the potential arrival of a winger. Arsenal are hunting shrewd 'market opportunities' with sales emerging as a distinct priority in recent weeks.

As it stands, Arsenal risk leaving themselves short in attacking areas. Their current options are fine, but what if Gabriel Jesus' injury woes continue or Gabriel Martinelli fails to rediscover his 2022/23 form? Suddenly, the Gunners look reliant on just a few gifted bodies. Given what they're setting out to achieve this term, you feel that an attacking addition is necessary before the window slams shut.

Here are five forwards, including wingers, Arsenal could sign before the deadline.

1. Nico Williams

We're all waiting in hope for David Ornstein to drop a bomba. Nico Williams remains of interest to Arsenal, although a deal at this late stage does seem unlikely.

The Athletic report that Athletic Club's new number ten is expected to remain in Bilbao this summer, with interested clubs needing to pay the player's €55m release clause in one lump sum. Perhaps Arsenal's sale of Eddie Nketiah will facilitate some late drama. As I said, though, we're hoping, not expecting.

While still somewhat raw, Williams highlighted at Euro 2024 just how special he is. A lightning-quick wide player who can finish off both feet and befuddle any full-back in one-on-one situations, the 22-year-old has the potential to arrive in north London and immediately displace Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard down the left flank.

He's a level raiser, and my dream addition before the window shuts.

2. Simon Adingra

There have been a few murmurs regarding a late pursuit of Brighton's Adingra. Following the return of Kaoru Mitoma from a long-term injury as well as the additions of Yankuba Minteh and Brajan Gruda, Adingra may be in for reduced minutes in 2024/25.

The Ivorian impressed at AFCON earlier this year amid a fine debut campaign on English shores. Adingra scored six times for Brighton last term, and is another wide player that specialises in one-on-one situations when isolated up against his opposing full-back.

He's a varied dribbler that can beat his man on either side, and is adept off both flanks. Arteta will also appreciate his willingness to work out of possession, and Arsenal should explore a potential deal if they can snag Adingra at a reasonable price.

Brighton signed him for a mere £6m in 2023.

3. Raheem Sterling

Sterling will surely be on the move before the end of the window having been cast aside by new Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca in west London.

Several Premier League clubs have supposedly made enquiries, but Sterling doesn't seem close to getting his desired move.

Given Arsenal's need for a frontline addition, Sterling may well be of intrigue. The Englishman will not command a big fee given his situation at Chelsea, although his sky-high wages could be a bit of an issue if the Gunners were to make a move.

Arteta has recently spoken of his "exceptional" relationship with the former Manchester City winger, and a pursuit of Sterling could be the late window "surprise" the Spaniard discussed last week.

Sterling's indifferent spell at Chelsea may deter supporters, and he's certainly not the winger he was during his City pomp, but his experience and capacity to play off either flank shouldn't be scoffed at. He'll benefit greatly from playing under Arteta, I have no doubts about that.

4. Victor Osimhen

I'd gotten over the idea of the Gunners making a move for Osimhen this summer, but given the fee Napoli are apparently now willing to let him go for, I'm suddenly back on board!

Napoli had an agreement worth a mere €65m with Al Ahli for the Nigerian's services, but the striker has rejected the move. He remains on the market, and you're not going to find forwards of Osimhen's calibre available for that sort of price very often.

Some may label the Napoli forward as a one-season wonder given the fitness issues that have followed him around either side of his Capocannoniere-winning campaign two seasons ago, but Osimhen is a unique and special talent capable of scoring goals no matter the environment.

You don't think he'd score a hatful leading Arsenal's line? As if. Osimhen would catapult the Gunners to the title.

5. Kingsley Coman

If there's a deal Arsenal could get done before the deadline, it's this one, but Coman is perhaps not the ideal option. However, given that Bayern Munich are willing to let him go on an initial loan, the Frenchman represents an excellent stop-gap for 2024/25.

Another winger who excels one-on-one, Coman is comfortable off both flanks, is a proficient crosser of the ball, and has won wherever he's gone. Given his record, Arsenal would be assured of Premier League glory this season!

However, Bayern already have an agreement in place with Al Hilal over Coman's transfer, but the winger is yet to decide his future. He's keen to leave Bavaria, though.

There are caveats, including his wages and poor injury record, but a loan would have plenty of upside.

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