Arsenal's January master plan sees them target replacement for £72m flop rather than 'pure No.9'

Arsenal apparently aren't too interested in signing a replacement for Gabriel Jesus as they are instead focused on signing a replacement for Nicolas Pepe.

Jesus has suffered a knee injury that will likely prevent him from entering until February.

The Brazilian has been key to their success this season. Although he wasn't in goal as much as he would have liked, he was able to get the best out of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli.

Arsenal could be forgiven for panicking in January as Jesus' injury leaves them with Eddie Nketiah as their only natural striker.

Nketiah has impressed in fits and starts for the Gunners but the youngster is currently a far cry from Jesus' quality and it remains to be seen how their team performances will be hampered by the striker's absence.

Despite this, a new report from The Athletic has confirmed that Arsenal do not want a "relatively short-term problem to shape their plans".

Instead, the Premier League club are focused on signing a winger who 'could provide cover and competition' for Saka and Martinelli.

‘After Jesus’ injury at the World Cup, many fans would say centre-forward. Arsenal don't necessarily see it the same way: they don't want to let a relatively short-term issue shape their squad-building plans. So a pure number 9 is not a priority for them.

‘Arsenal have wanted an additional attacking player for some time, but one who operates on the flanks: a player who could provide cover and competition for players like Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli.

'Arsenal allowed Nicolas Pepe to join French club Nice in the summer, but the closest thing to replacing him was the addition of promising but raw Marquinhos.

‘A new central midfielder is also on the agenda for 2023 – but with Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny currently fit, there is less urgency in this area. This is something more likely to be done in the summer. '

Arsenal signed Pepe for £72million in 2019 but he turned out to be a disappointment. As mentioned by The Athletic, Marquinhos was signed this summer but he is one for the future.

Mikel Arteta is looking to sign a winger who can come in straight and make an impact. Their main target would be Mykhaylo Mudryk of Shakhtar Donetsk.

The report adds that the stumbling block in Arsenal's path to signing Mudryk is Shakhtar publicly stating that they "expect to receive £88m for his services".

Mudryk has been superb this season, but he's yet to perform for a long time, which is perhaps why 'Arsenal don't intend to go that high' with their offers.< /p>

They also say Premier League side Fulham are the 'favorites' to sign Arsenal defender Cedric Soares.

The defender has fallen down the pecking order this season with Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu preferred at right-back.

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