Arsenal hero Alan Smith names who the Gunners should prioritize in the transfer market

In a span of a couple of weeks, it looks like Arsenal and Mikel Arteta’s season has spiralled into one of failure. The Gunners lost 0-2 to Newcastle in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-finals and then succumbed to 10-man Manchester United in the FA Cup third round. Arteta’s men sit second in the Premier League table, six points behind Liverpool who have a game in hand. Even the most optimistic fans would not bet on the Gunners winning a trophy this season.

A key issue for Mikel Arteta’s team has been scoring goals and this was very evident in the loss to Man Utd, where gilt-edged chances were missed. We spoke with ex-Arsenal striker Alan Smith who named who he thinks should be Arsenal’s priority target and why he is not optimistic about business being done in January.

Alexander Isak should be Arsenal’s priority but I don’t see that happening in January

The Gunners have been linked to a whole host of strikers - Alexander Isak, Viktor Gyokeres, Victor Osimhen and Dusan Vlahovic, to name a few. As per Smith, the priority for the Gunners should be Isak, as he is Premier League proven and fits the technical and age profile for his former side.

"Well I think Alexander Isak would probably be the number one target because he's succeeded in the Premier League. There wouldn't be any settling down period where you're getting used to the league. He's at a good age as well - mid 20s - and he showed it in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semis, what a fine player he is."

"I think you need to bring in somebody who's technically very good, someone who's able to fit into that Arsenal way and also of course somebody who's going to score goals."

That being said, Smith says he would be very surprised if Arsenal are able to bring in Isak during this January window as it would cost a lot of money and teams are unwilling to part with their key players this month.

"Wouldn't it be lovely if you can get a proven goalscorer into the club in January. (A) It would cost a lot of money. (B) It would indeed be very difficult indeed to get somebody this month."

"He will probably be my first choice. He's been linked heavily with Arsenal for the last year. I would imagine if he is going to leave Newcastle, it would probably be in the summer. I can't see it happening in January, if indeed it happens at all."

Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko are looking surplus to requirements at the Emirates

Smith points out that at the start of the season strengthening up front wasn’t as important for the Gunners considering their scoring record last season. Bukayo Saka’s injury and the drop in finishing, however, has made it a priority and Smith also feels that a new striker will raise the morale of the locker room.

"You look at the goals scored last season by Arsenal. It wasn't deficient, it was only a few behind Man City, the title winners, without a centre forward. Everybody chipped in and now everybody isn't chipping in, chances are being missed."

"I think a new centre forward, more than anything, will lift the place. It would be a morale booster. That would be great but I'm not sure that would happen at the moment."

With PSR rules being implemented strictly, the Arsenal legend also states that the Gunners would need to sell players in order to make room for more signings. When asked which players could be surplus to requirements at the Emirates, he names the former Man City pair of Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko.

"Some of the fringe players. Gabriel Jesus got injured again after that spell of scoring goals. He'll know better than me but we probably need to sell in order to free up money to buy and Arteta's got to decide who he could get out of the door to get more money."

"Zinchenko, doesn't get a game these days. The two lads from Man City. When Man City are allowing title rivals to have a couple of players you wonder why they are allowing that. We've probably seen the reason over the last two years."