Welcome To Emirates – Arsenal Plan £22m Striker Signing In January After Welbeck Injury

Arsenal are already preparing for the January transfer window even as it remains about four months before the window is opened, and the Gunners have earmarked Juventus’ Simone Zaza as one of their targets, writes the Daily Telegraph.

Zaza joined the Serie A champions this past summer and has emerged as one of those players who could be allowed to leave the club after Juventus were involved in a spending spree.

It was claimed that West Ham United wanted to take Zaza on loan in the summer in order for the forward to get enough game time, but talks between Juventus and the Hammers broke down.

Meanwhile, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger was criticised heavily for failing to land a top notch striker during the summer transfer window – with moves to bring in Karim Benzema and Edinson Cavani failing to materialise. The French boss has now moved to avoid something of such, and has swiftly pinpointed Zaza and make his his first signing in the new year. Many believe a striker and a defensive midfielder signing will make the gunners strong favorites for the title despite their average start to the season.

The recent setback Danny Welbeck had in his knee injury has dealt Wenger another huge blow, as first-choice goal poacher Olivier Giroud is also seen by many as one who can not lead the Gunners to the title this term. The need to bring in another forward is, therefore, paramount.

Zaza was an integral member of the Sassuolo team before Juventus snapped him up recently in the summer. The 24-year old Italian scored 11 goals in 31 league appearances for Sassuolo last season, and would be an ideal fit in attack for the Gunners.

However, Zaza could also consider his options if he finds it hard to play enough game for the Bianconeri before January, as it could hinder his chances of representing Italy in Euro 2016 in France.