Arsenal submit first January bid for £17m striker, but it’s not good news for Mikel Arteta

After Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Brighton & Hove Albion, Mikel Arteta only has three senior attackers to call on as things stand.

When Newcastle United arrive at the Emirates Stadium to face Arsenal in their EFL Cup semi-final on Tuesday, it currently seems fairly obvious who Arteta will choose in his front three.

Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli are the only available options, unless Kai Havertz has recovered from his illness by then.

Bukayo Saka, Raheem Sterling and now Ethan Nwaneri are all injured, meaning almost every Arsenal fan is calling for the club to make the most of the January transfer window.

Arsenal lost Nwaneri to injury against Brighton, meaning they’re already tasked with finding another Saka alternative.

That being said, and despite the obvious need for another winger, most Arsenal supporters would still most enjoy seeing a new striker arrive first and foremost.

And according to Brazilian outlet RTI Esporte, Arsenal have recently made a loan bid for highly-regarded 23-year-old Igor Jesus.

Igor Jesus was linked with Arsenal whilst Edu was still at the club, with some hoping that he could follow a similar path to Martinelli.

Having returned to Brazil and Botafogo from Dubai last summer, Igor Jesus has impressed and earned four caps for his country since.

Now, it’s been reported that Arsenal just tabled a six-month loan bid with an obligation to buy Igor Jesus for €20m (£17m).

Unfortunately, Botafogo are said to have rejected the offer, they’re only interested in a permanent departure this month.

The offer was said to arrive at the Brazilian club via the player’s representatives, a reaction to Saka’s recent injury.

Of course, Arsenal are also thought to be interested in one or two options slightly closer to home in the Premier League.

Arsenal want Mateus Cunha according to reports, another Brazilian striker who has begun making real progress with Wolverhampton Wanderers.

However, Cunha might snub Arsenal – a deal that was very unlikely to be concluded in January anyway given his importance for Wolves.

It’s currently looking very tricky for Arteta to improve his squad this month unless the club are prepared to spend big.

Arsenal could chase Dani Olmo depending on his complicated situation at Barcelona.

But one thing that is for sure, if Arsenal aren’t able to strengthen, they’ll seriously struggle to keep pace with Liverpool, let alone catch them in pursuit of the title.