Arsenal are actively pursuing reinforcements for their attacking line in the January transfer window, with a specific and concrete interest in a young Bundesliga talent touted as the next Hugo Ekitike.
Injury Crisis Forces Arteta's Hand
Manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed a shift in his January plans due to a mounting injury crisis among his forwards. Despite boasting one of the Premier League's deepest squads, the Gunners have been without key figures for significant periods. Speaking to BBC Sport, Arteta admitted the club must now be proactive, stating: "We're going to be really aware of the situation and the timescale of certain players. We have to be actively looking, and then can we do it or not?"
The situation is particularly acute up front, where Kai Havertz remains sidelined. Gabriel Jesus has only recently returned after a long-term absence, leaving the squad short of established options and forcing midfielder Mikel Merino to deputise in an unfamiliar striker role.
Bahoya: The £22m Solution?
According to reports from the Independent, Arsenal's primary target to address this issue is Eintracht Frankfurt's 20-year-old French forward Jean-Matteo Bahoya. The player was brought in by the German club as a direct replacement for Hugo Ekitike, who joined Liverpool in the summer.
Bahoya shares similar attributes with Ekitike: he is tall, possesses considerable pace, and can operate effectively as a central striker or on either wing. His expected market value is just £22 million, a figure that could represent a significant bargain for a player of his potential. His arrival would provide crucial depth behind Viktor Gyokeres and Jesus, allowing Merino to return to his natural midfield position.
Havertz Return Imminent as Liverpool Clash Looms
There is, however, positive news on the injury front. Mikel Arteta provided an update on Kai Havertz's knee problem on Boxing Day, suggesting the German international is nearing a return. "He's a player that we missed a lot, a player that brings the team into a different dimension. So, I'm really happy to have him back very soon," Arteta said.
Reports indicate Havertz could be in contention for the Premier League match against Bournemouth on January 3rd. If not, a return for the pivotal clash against league leaders Liverpool the following week is a strong possibility, which would be a major boost for Arsenal's title aspirations.
As the January window approaches, Arsenal's pursuit of Jean-Matteo Bahoya signals a clear intent to bolster their squad for the demanding second half of the season, seeking value in a market where quality strikers often command exorbitant fees.
