Ian Wright issues transfer plea to Arsenal and makes huge Alexander Isak claim
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Ian Wright believes Mikel Arteta has been forced to rely too heavily on the creativity of Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka and Arsenal must look to strengthen in the January transfer window. Odegaard was sidelined for two months with an ankle ligament problem at the start of the season and it’s no coincidence that Arsenal’s revival in form over the winter period has coincided with their captain’s return to full fitness.
![[Arsenal v Newcastle United - Carabao Cup Semi Final First Leg]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/GettyImages-2192849758.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
But just as Arsenal appeared to be building up a head of steam, an injury to Saka has threatened to derail the Gunners’ progress once again, with the England forward not expected to return until March at the earliest. Saka has arguably been Arsenal’s standout player this term, racking up nine goals and 13 assists in all competitions, and his prolonged absence comes as a major blow to the club’s hopes of chasing down Premier League leaders Liverpool.
![[Crystal Palace FC v Arsenal FC - Premier League]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/GettyImages-2190996455_bd7889.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
Gabriel Jesus’ resurgence has come at a good time for Arsenal, but Wright hopes his former club do not miss the opportunity to bring in reinforcements to freshen up the attack while they have the chance. ‘You do feel, with the way the injuries are coming at the moment, that it’s a big January for Arsenal,’ Wright said on ITV ahead of the first leg of Arsenal’s Carabao Cup semi-final tie with Newcastle.
![[Tottenham Hotspur FC v Newcastle United FC - Premier League]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/GettyImages-2192559243.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
‘I’m not sure what’s going to happen, hopefully something does. ‘When you also add into the mix someone like Bukayo Saka, who is our main protagonist, is missing as well, then the emphasis on creativity lies largely with Martin Odegaard, who has not been well recently.
![[Newcastle United FC v Leicester City FC - Premier League]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/GettyImages-2190072837_3a9a91.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
