2023 African POTY among four strikers admired by Arsenal but deal unlikely to happen next month 

2023 African Footballer of the Year, Victor Osimhen is among the candidates Arsenal have on their shortlist to bolster the attack.

According to The Athletic's transfer market guru David Ornstein, the Nigeria international is among four strikers admired by Arsenal and many other clubs, but it is not anticipated they will land at the Emirates Stadium in the January transfer window. 

The other forwards on the radar of the Gunners are Brentford's Ivan Toney,  RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko and Brighton's Evan Ferguson. 

Mikel Arteta's team have scored 53 goals in all competitions this season - 35 in the Premier League, 16 in the Champions League and 2 in the Carabao Cup - but the Spaniard does not want a repeat of last season when injuries and loss of form played a key role in their title challenge falling apart. 

Although Arsenal are determined to strengthen their attack in the January transfer window, the stumbling block is that they may not be able to meet the valuation of the aforementioned players next month, given the considerable amount that they spent in the summer to sign Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber. 

The Premier League table-toppers may have to wait until the summer to bring in their desired target due to Financial Fair Play rules. 

Osimhen is on the brink of signing a new contract at Napoli until 2026 with a release clause of around €130-140m. 

The number 9 is also attracting interest from Chelsea but it's almost impossible for any of his suitors to prise him away from Napoli next month as the Parthenopeans are still competing on two fronts, coupled with the fact that he could be with the Nigerian national team for up to six weeks at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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