‘He Wouldn’t Be My First Choice’ ‘Sorry But We Are A Big Club’ Arsenal Fans Discuss Interest in 12 Goal Forward

Arsenal is currently in the midst of a challenging season, with several obstacles affecting their title push in the Premier League. The club’s performance in the opening months of the 2024-25 campaign has been solid, but injuries to key players such as Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka have highlighted the need for reinforcements in the squad. As a result, Arsenal has turned its attention to the January transfer window, hoping to strengthen its attacking options to maintain their competitiveness for the remainder of the season. One player that has recently emerged as a potential target for the club is Yoane Wissa, a 28-year-old forward currently playing for Brentford in the Premier League. Wissa has impressed with his performances in the league, and Arsenal is reportedly interested in acquiring his services before the window closes.

The situation at Arsenal is becoming increasingly urgent, with Gabriel Jesus set to miss the remainder of the season due to a serious ACL injury. This has left the club with a significant gap in their attack, as Jesus had been central to their offensive play. Additionally, Saka, who has been one of Arsenal’s standout performers this season, is also sidelined for an extended period following surgery. The combined absence of these two key players has raised concerns about Arsenal’s ability to sustain their level of performance without adequate cover in the attacking positions.

In light of these injuries, Arsenal fans had hoped that the club would target a marquee signing to fill the void left by Jesus and provide the necessary attacking firepower to keep the team competitive. One player that was frequently mentioned in connection with a potential move to the Emirates was Benjamin Sesko, the 21-year-old striker from RB Leipzig. Sesko had been a standout performer for the German club, and his name had been linked with several top Premier League clubs, including Arsenal. His potential arrival at Arsenal was seen by many as a statement signing that could help propel the team toward the top of the league.

However, as the transfer window has progressed, it has become clear that securing a player of Sesko’s caliber may be out of Arsenal’s reach, at least in the short term. Reports suggest that the financial requirements to bring Sesko to North London this month are more than the club is willing to meet. Leipzig, who are keen to hold on to their star forward, are reportedly demanding a significant transfer fee, making any potential deal financially unfeasible for Arsenal in their current position. As a result, the club has turned its attention to other targets, including Wissa, who could offer a more affordable and realistic solution to their attacking dilemma.

Wissa, while not as high-profile as Sesko, has been a consistent performer for Brentford since joining the club. The Congolese forward has scored 12 goals so far this season, a tally that matches Arsenal’s top scorer, Kai Havertz. His ability to find the back of the net in a team like Brentford, which is not known for its attacking dominance, speaks to his individual talent and potential. Wissa has also demonstrated his versatility, capable of playing in a variety of attacking positions. This versatility could prove useful for Arsenal, as it would allow manager Mikel Arteta to deploy him in different roles depending on the tactical needs of the team.

While Wissa may not be the flashy, high-profile signing that some fans had hoped for, he could still provide a valuable contribution to Arsenal’s squad. His experience in the Premier League would allow him to settle quickly into Arteta’s system, and his goalscoring record suggests that he could provide a reliable option in the absence of Jesus and Saka. Moreover, Wissa’s relatively low transfer fee could make him an attractive option for a club like Arsenal, who may not have the financial flexibility to secure a marquee signing this month.

Arsenal’s need for attacking reinforcements is particularly pressing given their current position in the league. The club has shown great promise under Arteta, but they are currently facing intense competition from the likes of Manchester City, Liverpool, and Chelsea for the Premier League title. Injuries to key players like Jesus and Saka have tested the squad’s depth, and Arsenal will need to ensure that they have enough quality in their attack to maintain their challenge for the title. While the addition of Wissa may not be enough to transform the team into title favorites, it could provide much-needed depth and competition for places in the forward line.

One of the key issues that Arsenal has faced this season is the lack of consistency in their attacking play. While players like Havertz, Martin Ødegaard, and Eddie Nketiah have all contributed goals and assists, the absence of a fully fit and firing Jesus has left a noticeable gap in the team’s offensive threat. Jesus is known for his work rate, technical ability, and intelligence in the final third, and his injury has forced Arteta to rely more heavily on his other attackers. Nketiah has been given more opportunities to lead the line, but he has yet to fully convince that he can match the level of performance that Jesus provided before his injury.

The arrival of Wissa could help alleviate some of these concerns. Wissa has proven himself to be a reliable goalscorer in the Premier League, and his ability to play in multiple positions means that he could offer Arteta greater flexibility in attack. Whether as a central striker, a wide forward, or a supporting attacker, Wissa could provide valuable depth to the squad and offer a different option for Arteta to consider. His presence would also provide competition for the likes of Nketiah and Havertz, pushing them to perform at a higher level and ensuring that Arsenal has enough attacking options to cope with the demands of a busy second half of the season.

Of course, Wissa’s potential move to Arsenal is not without its challenges. While the transfer fee may be more manageable than some of the club’s other targets, Brentford is unlikely to let go of one of their key players without a fight. The Bees are currently in the middle of a solid season in the Premier League and will be keen to keep hold of their most important assets as they continue their push for mid-table security. Wissa’s departure would represent a significant loss for the club, and they are likely to demand a fair price for his services. Arsenal will need to negotiate a deal that satisfies both parties, and this could take time.

Additionally, some Arsenal fans have expressed concerns about Wissa’s ability to make an immediate impact at a club with the same level of expectations and ambition as Arsenal. While his performances at Brentford have been impressive, the step up to a top-six club in the Premier League could prove to be a significant challenge for the player. Some supporters have pointed out that Arsenal should be aiming higher in the transfer market, given their status as one of the top clubs in England. However, it is important to note that the January transfer window is often a difficult time to secure marquee signings, and Wissa may prove to be a solid, if not glamorous, option for the team.

In the end, the decision to pursue Wissa is a pragmatic one. While it may not satisfy all of the fans’ desires for a high-profile signing, it addresses a clear need within the squad. Arsenal cannot afford to stand still in the race for the Premier League title, and strengthening the attack is a necessity. Wissa may not be the game-changing addition that some supporters had hoped for, but he could provide the squad with the depth and quality needed to maintain their challenge for the top honors. As the transfer window continues, Arsenal’s pursuit of Wissa may be just the beginning of their efforts to strengthen their squad for the remainder of the season.