Arsenal have two transfer chances to solve major Mikel Arteta problem

Arsenal are Liverpool's nearest and most realistic challengers in the Premier League title race this season.

They have conceded roughly the same amount of goals in the top flight but sit six points behind them with Arne Slot's men having a game in hand on their rivals. The gap between the two clubs looks too much at this stage unless the Gunners can resort to some drastic action to change their fortunes.

Everyone in the top flight knows that to drastically change this position, Arsenal need to find a centre-forward who scores goals. 43 goals in the Premier League is not bad, it puts them on a par with the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City but Liverpool have already managed to rack up 50 goals.

It is not like Arsenal are not creating the chances either. They comfortably have the greater amounts of possession in games and their overall shots in matches is often higher than 20.

But, only a small percentage of these are on target which is obviously limiting the amount of goals they are scoring. The obvious solution is to sign a centre-forward and Mikel Arteta perhaps has two opportunities to do that but both have their own down sides.

First, would be to splash an insane amount of money to sign Newcastle United centre-forward Alexander Isak. The numbers involved are eye-watering and could run in excess of £150m.

That is if Newcastle would be willing to sell which, at the moment, appears unlikely. However, our colleagues at Chronicle Live understand that Eddie Howe's men have entered the race to sign Lille striker Jonathan David.

The Canadian has been in fine form for the French club this season and with his contract expiring at the end of the season, Newcastle could pick themselves up a bargain. With David through the door at St James' Park, Newcastle could be willing to be more realistic in their negotiations for Isak, handing Arsenal an opportunity.

Alternatively, Arsenal could switch their full attention away from Isak and go after David. The report from the Chronicle names the Gunners as potentially suitors for the Canadian and he would be a lot cheaper than Isak.

However, that deal would only likely be agreed for next season and as such, it would be an admittance from the Gunners that this season is not going to be theirs. Chelsea and Manchester United are also thought to be keen on David so Arsenal have no guarantees they could win out, even if Newcastle drop out of the running.

Both options available to Arsenal have their pitfalls and reasons why they may not work out but the reality of the situation is simple. They need a proven goalscorer if they wish to make the jump from also rans to champions.

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