Arsenal Line Up Three January Transfer Targets Amid Concerns Over Martin Odegaard’s Injury Setback

Arsenal felt the impact of Martin Odegaard’s absence during his injury spell, with his return against Chelsea offering a clear reminder of his importance. His assist for Gabriel Martinelli and his key pass in the final moments highlighted exactly what the Gunners had been missing.

Now, Odegaard has opted out of playing for Norway during the international break to prioritize his recovery and avoid the risk of aggravating the injury. Arsenal’s concern over a potential setback emphasizes the need for backup options that can help fill the creative void when Odegaard isn’t on the pitch or isn’t as influential.

 

READ ALSO: A matter of time before Martin Ödegaard extends with Arsenal

 

Bukayo Saka has stepped up on the right to some extent, but Arsenal has struggled to find effective deputies both for Odegaard and for added creativity on the left. In response, EWT analyzed the data and identified three of Europe’s top-performing creators this season, focusing on those who excel in goal and shot-creating actions.

 

1. Ademola Lookman

Arsenal have shown interest in Ademola Lookman, and with good reason. The Nigerian international, who faced the Gunners this season in Atalanta’s 0-0 draw against them, has been a consistent attacking threat. Coming off another strong season, Lookman has recorded eight goals and five assists in just 14 games—his 13 goal contributions surpassing any Arsenal player’s output so far, with Bukayo Saka the closest at 11.

Primarily positioned on the left or as a second striker, Lookman brings versatility and can even play as a center-forward, offering Mikel Arteta a potential option for rotation. His creativity is evident from his high shot-creating actions per 90 minutes (SCA90), ranking him fourth in Europe’s top five leagues at 8.04 per game. With this kind of creative spark, Lookman could be exactly the boost Arsenal needs.

 

READ ALSO: Arsenal needs their magician Ødegaard to work his magic as Mikel 

 

2. Alex Baena

The second option is Villarreal’s rising talent, Alex Baena. At 23, Baena has established himself as a prominent figure in La Liga and has already earned seven caps with Spain’s senior team, scoring twice. He currently has five assists this season and ranks 10th in SCA90 across Europe’s top five leagues.

Baena operates mostly on the left but has the flexibility to play centrally as well. Although he may be a less familiar name for some, he could be a valuable addition to Arsenal’s creative lineup. His signing would come with some risk, as adapting quickly to the Premier League can be challenging, but his skill set could fill a much-needed role in the squad.

 

3. Rayan Cherki

The final option is Lyon’s young sensation, Rayan Cherki. Though he has only two goals and three assists this season, Cherki’s potential is evident through his impressive stats in shot-creating actions. Ranking second on FBRef’s SCA90 list with 8.45 per game, Cherki, at just 21, has a promising future ahead.

Unlike Lookman and Baena, Cherki typically plays centrally or on the right, giving Arsenal more flexibility. His ambidexterity allows him to either cut inside or hug the touchline, creating options for both inverted runs and cut-back passes. With his technical prowess and room for growth, Cherki could bring long-term value to Arsenal’s creative lineup.