Arsenal told to sign Saudi Pro League star on 'six month loan' to solve attacking problems and boost title bid after Gabriel Jesus injury

With Gabriel Jesus sidelined for the remainder of the season due to an ACL injury, Arsenal are under growing pressure to find a reliable striker in the January transfer window to sustain their Premier League title challenge. While Kai Havertz has managed 12 goals across all competitions, the German international has been criticized for missed opportunities in key games, including Arsenal’s Carabao Cup exit against Newcastle United and their FA Cup defeat to Manchester United in a penalty shootout.

Benzema, who currently plays for Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League, could provide a short-term solution, Ferdinand argued during TNT Sports’ pre-match coverage of Arsenal’s North London Derby against Tottenham Hotspur.

"I’d go and get Benzema. I’d say give me a six-month loan, have that," he suggested.

Former Scotland striker Ally McCoist also weighed in on Arsenal’s striker situation, stating that Havertz lacks the instinct to be an “out-and-out goalscorer.”

"They need a goalscorer, it’s simple," McCoist said.

"You look at Havertz, the little bit of the stick he’s receiving is a little bit harsh because he’s not an out-and-out goalscorer. I think Havertz is one of those players who would score as many goals coming off the left, or as a No.10, as he would as a No.9. It’s not rocket science, the chances that Arsenal are creating, a proper out-and-out, six-yard box predator will score goals.

Instead, McCoist suggested that the Gunners should target Victor Osimhen, who is currently on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli, as a long-term solution to their attacking needs.

"I’d go and get Osimhen," he added. "He’s still been scoring goals in Türkiye, his form is not what it was 18 months ago with Napoli but I think he can get there again."

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that the club is actively pursuing reinforcements, with plans in place even before Jesus’ injury.

Speaking ahead of Arsenal’s match against Tottenham, Arteta revealed, “We know who we want to sign. We have very clear ideas of the players that we want, yes. It was before Gabriel Jesus' injury and it was with Gabby injured right now and we have to wait and see how things develop.”

With the January transfer window approaching, Arsenal will need to act swiftly to land their targets. Arteta’s team closed the gap on league leaders Liverpool with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Tottenham, keeping their title aspirations alive. Their next test comes against Aston Villa on Saturday, and securing three points will be crucial to maintaining pressure on Liverpool at the top of the table.