The only Gunners transfer movements so far have been outgoings. However, transfer deadline day could well see some incomings as clubs look to make the most of any opportunities.
However, one of the main problems with Arsenal this month is that arguably their biggest priority – a prolific target-man – is pretty difficult to acquire mid-season.
Aside from the fact that prolific strikers usually command huge fees, not many clubs will willingly part company with their main sources of goals mid-season.
There have been plenty of links between Arsenal and world-class strikers like Ivan Toney and Victor Osimhen, but let’s face it, it’s incredibly unlikely that either would move in January.
However, there is one young, talented striker out there who, according to reports, is not only available, but his club is actively trying to move him on this month.
And better still, he has earned comparisons with Arsenal legend Thierry Henry.
The player in question is Paris Saint-Germain forward Hugo Ekitike, a player who Arsenal were linked with two years ago when he was flying at Reims.
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Arsenal could do with looking at Hugo Ekitike on transfer deadline day
His 11 goals and four assists from 28 Reims appearances led to interest from many top clubs, and he opted to join PSG in 2022.
Ekitike initially joined on loan before being signed on a permanent basis for a reported £35million fee.
However, the 21-year-old’s career has stalled since then. This season, he has just eight minutes of competitive football under his belt.
Fabrizio Romano took to X on Tuesday afternoon to claim that PSG are “actively working to loan out” Ekitike before the January transfer window shuts.
The transfer insider added that contacts are “taking place… to find the best solution” for the French forward.
Hugo Ekitike once deemed ‘one of Europe’s most highly-rated young players’
Arsenal could certainly do with taking a look at Ekitike on transfer deadline day, perhaps on a loan with option to buy.
He’s a top talent with his whole career ahead of him, and crucially, he’s available in the January transfer window.
Ekitike’s stock has fallen in recent years. but with the right man-management and minutes under his belt, the potential for him to rediscover the form that made him such a star at Reims is there.
It wasn’t that long ago that Ekitike was being deemed ‘one of Europe’s most highly-rated young players‘.
Better yet, Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout previously deemed him a 9 out of 10 in terms of potential and likened him to Thierry Henry.
If Arsenal were to sign him on a loan with the option to buy, it would be a relatively inexpensive gamble on their part, especially if the loan fee and wage split isn’t too high.
At worst, he’d be an extra pair of legs for the remainder of the season in case of injuries. At best, the Gunners could help him rediscover his form and potentially get the option to buy a Henry heir.
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