The only signing Arsenal are likely to make in January transfer window revealed

Arsenal fans are hoping Mikel Arteta can make some attacking signings during the transfer window

Arsenal fans hoping Mikel Arteta is set to make a host of attacking signings in what remains of the January transfer window are likely to be disappointed.

Tuesday’s display of erratic finishing against Newcastle was rendered all the more painful by the sight of long-time transfer target Alexander Isak leading the Gunners’ defence a merry dance.

The Sweden international scored his side’s opener and played a crucial role in creating the second goal for Anthony Gordon, another player linked with a move to north London, which put Newcastle firmly in control of their Carabao Cup semi-final ahead of next month’s second leg.

Arsenal explored the possibility of signing a player who they have interested in since his days at Real Sociedad last summer but baulked at Newcastle’s valuation.

Isak’s price tag has increased on the back of his sensational recent form with the Magpies now likely to demand around £150 million for the 25-year-old whose contract runs until 2028.

That is unlikely to deter Arsenal who will revisit their interest in Isak over the summer, according to Mail Sport, and will also look at Benjamin Sesko again.

Much of the groundwork for a transfer has already been laid with the Gunners having felt confident of landing the RB Leipzig star ahead of Euro 2024 before he opted to sign a new contract.

Sesko was understood to be unwilling to join a club at which he was unlikely to be first choice but a year on Arsenal are likely to view the Slovenia international as being ready to assume the role of being the club’s primary centre forward.

In the shorter-term, however, Arsenal are likely only to sign a ‘stop-gap’ solution to the the problem created by Bukayo Saka’s absence.

Arteta has been cautious and unwilling to put a timeframe on the return of his star player who underwent surgery on his torn hamstring last month.

In his absence, Arsenal have struggled badly for goals with Leandro Trossard badly out of form and summer loan signing Raheem Sterling still unable able to get a look-in.

Alexander Isak has been in sensational form for Newcastle

With Bournemouth goalkeeper Neto also having joined the club on a temporary basis, Arsenal cannot make another loan signing from a Premier League club in January and would have to look to the foreign market.

A wide forward does remain a long-term priority and although Arteta would love to sign Nico Williams from Athletic Bilbao, Arsenal would struggle to meet his buyout clause in full at present.

With Gabriel Martinelli also out of sorts, a solution to Arsenal’s attacking woes is now of critical importance according to Emmanuel Petit.

Arsenal were confident of signing Benjamin Sesko last summer

The former Arsenal Premier League winner admits he is growing frustrated with current winger Martinelli, who has only reached double figures once over the past five seasons and has missed a number of chances this term.

‘Arsenal don’t just need a striker, I think they needed at least three or four more players last summer,’ Petit told DisCasino. ‘They still need a left-winger, a striker and an attacking midfielder.

‘This January transfer market is tough, though. It will be very hard to find good opportunities to sign good players for a reasonable price.

‘I don’t think it’s part of Mikel Arteta’s policy to sign players for an absurd amount of money.’