Arsenal manager Jonas Eidevall has said that he still remains hopeful of signing a striker before the January transfer window closes for WSL clubs at 5pm on Tuesday.
The Gunners have lost chief goal threats Beth Mead Vivianne Miedema both to long-term ACL injuries since mid-November and neither is expected to play again this season.
Eidevall’s team have continued to score goals without their two biggest stars – twice racking up nine in matches since. But with Lina Hurtig featuring only sparingly since her arrival and Caitlin Foord scoring one goal in 10 WSL appearances, the need to strengthen is there.
Teenage forward Gio was also recalled from a loan at Everton earlier this month.
“I’m hopeful [of signing a striker], but if it hasn’t happened yet then of course it is not a guarantee,” Eidevall told journalists after his side thrashed Leeds in the FA Cup.
“It’s really important for us, like I have been saying. It’s a big moment for us if we can be successful getting this player,” he added.
Arsenal are thought to have rejected what has been reported as a ‘substantial’ Chelsea bid for winger/full-back Katie McCabe, who is under contract in 2024.
In response to the reports of the bid being and then turned down, Chelsea boss Emma Hayes has publicly declared that the Blues will not be adding any more players to their squad before the deadline. Eidevall, meanwhile, is adamant that McCabe is not leaving.
“Me and Katie have never spoken about her leaving. We only speak about what we can create here at Arsenal. There is absolutely no chance of that move happening,” he said after beating Leeds 9-0 in the FA Cup fourth round.
Arsenal will be back in WSL action next weekend when they make the short trip to West Ham in Sunday’s late kick-off. With Manchester United and Chelsea both in action before that, they could find themselves six points off the leaders – but with two games in hand – by the time they begin.
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