Arsenal have reportedly added Brentford forward Yoane Wissa to their list of targets as the January transfer window nears its close. According to The Telegraph, the Gunners are not alone, as Nottingham Forest also eyes the 28-year-old, possibly as a replacement for Taiwo Awoniyi, who has been linked with a move away from the City Ground.
Wissa has had an impressive season so far, scoring 12 goals across all competitions. He joined Brentford from Lorient for approximately £8.5 million and quickly became integral to the team, especially after Ivan Toney's departure. His ability to play across the front three positions makes him especially appealing to both Arsenal and Nottingham Forest, who are actively seeking forward reinforcements.
Arsenal's interest springs partly from recent injuries to key players, with both Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus facing lengthy spells on the sidelines. Mikel Arteta confirmed the urgency to bolster the squad: "Yes, for sure. Because we lost two players, big players, Bukayo [Saka] – who can be out for up to three months – and Gabby [Jesus], who’s going to be out for a long, long, long time," Arteta said after the North London derby victory against Tottenham.
Nottingham Forest's current situation also necessitates improvements, especially with the looming uncertainty surrounding Awoniyi’s future due to interest from teams like West Ham United. Nuno Espirito Santo, the Forest head coach, admitted on the club’s transfer targets: "We are in the market, and it’s not an if. But the transfer window is very difficult to operate in." His side continues to perform well, evidenced by their recent draw against league leaders Liverpool.
Wissa's adaptability to various attacking roles could significantly benefit Arsenal, where the current squad is down to just 14 players following the recent injury woes. His recent form has matured him as one of the standout attackers within the Premier League, having netted 12 times already, with his latest goal coming against Manchester City.
Brentford's manager Thomas Frank shared his thoughts on Wissa's ability and importance to the team: "I think Wissa has been an absolutely fantastic signing. I think we signed him for €8million, something like, and it's incredible." With critics concerning Wissa's age, Frank argues there is great value to be gained from his wealth of experience, akin to Leandro Trossard’s successful move to Arsenal last January at 28.
Should either club secure Wissa's services, it would be seen as a significant boost for their respective squads. For Arsenal, it’s not just about filling gaps left by injuries but also about sustaining their challenge in the Premier League, where they sit close behind leaders Liverpool, hoping to secure their first league title since 2004.
On the other hand, for Nottingham Forest, bringing someone like Wissa could keep them competitive, reinforcing their attack as they continue to perform above expectations this season. With both clubs likely to chase Wissa until the February 3rd transfer deadline, negotiations could heat up as the clock ticks down.
Overall, Wissa's transfer saga is indicative of the broader dynamics at play within the January transfer window, where injuries and team performance can significantly impact clubs' recruitment strategies. With observers watching closely to see where Wissa will land, the excitement surrounding his potential move will undoubtedly captivate fans.