Arsenal make decision to sign star - but deal could wait until summer

By Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

22nd Nov, 2023 | 1:00pm

Sources: Arsenal make decision to sign marquee star - but deal could wait until summer

Arsenal have decided to sign a marquee new striker in 2024 – but could have to wait until the summer window, sources have told Football Insider.

Football Insider revealed on Monday (20 November) that Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is keen to supercharge his attacking options by signing a powerhouse striker.

It is believed both Juventus forward Dusan Vlahovic and Brentford star Ivan Toney are priority targets for Arsenal.

Both players would provide a more physical presence and a different profile to current forwards Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah.

Arsenal previously tried to sign Vlahovic in January 2022 but he chose to join Juventus in a reported £62.8million deal.

But it is believed Juventus could be forced to sell the Serbia international, who is under contract until June 2026, next year due to their dire financial situation.

The Gunners have continued to keep tabs on his situation after coming close to landing him almost two years ago, but it is believed Vlahovic is unlikely to be on the move mid-season.

Meanwhile, a well-placed source has told Football Insider that Brentford will ask for “big money” for Toney in the January window as his football ban comes to an end.

Arsenal may have to wait until next summer before Arteta can get his man – but it is a clear priority as the new year approaches.

The Gunners board, led by owner Stan Kroenke and son Josh Kroenke, have indicated they will provide the financial backing for the deal to get done.

Nketiah and Jesus have managed just five and four goals respectively for the Gunners this season – leading to questions from fans and pundits alike about whether the London side have enough firepower to win the Premier League.

Arteta’s side sit third in the table and are next in action against Brentford on Saturday (25 November).

In other news, Arsenal “hell-bent” on signing Premier League star in January.