Arsenal contact Tottenham and Aston Villa forward targets after Bukayo Saka injury

Arsenal are facing an anxious wait over the fitness of Bukayo Saka after the England international suffered an injury during Wednesday night’s Champions League draw with Bayern Munich.

Mikel Arteta’s side fought back to earn a 2-2 draw at the Allianz Arena, with Declan Rice scoring a brilliantly worked late equaliser to rescue a deserved point for the reigning Premier League champions.

However, the result was overshadowed by Saka’s withdrawal after just ten minutes, with the 25-year-old suffering a quadriceps problem while attempting a pass.

REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach

The winger was replaced by Eberechi Eze, who subsequently opened the scoring, but Arteta delivered a concerning update on Saka’s condition after the final whistle.

Speaking to TNT Sports, the Arsenal manager admitted: “They are a bit concerned. A player who has to come off with a really sharp pain is never good news but we have to wait and see.”

Arteta also conceded that the injury “does not look good at all”, raising fears that Arsenal could be without one of their most influential players for an extended period.

Saka has already endured several injury setbacks in recent seasons, including achilles and hamstring problems, making his latest fitness concern particularly frustrating for the Gunners.

Arsenal facing questions over attacking depth after Saka injury

REUTERS/Peter Cziborra

Despite losing Saka so early against Bayern, Arsenal demonstrated the quality of their attacking alternatives.

Eze made an immediate impact after replacing the winger, while Noni Madueke switched from the left flank to the right and produced an encouraging display.

Arteta was particularly impressed with Eze’s contribution, praising the former Crystal Palace star’s work both in and out of possession.

“I think Ebs [Eze] had a great game. Not only the ball, but the actions. His overall performance, I think his commitment without the ball as well,” he said.

Nevertheless, questions surrounding Arsenal’s attacking depth existed even before Saka’s latest setback.

Summer signing Christos Tzolis has impressed since arriving from Club Brugge, but the Greece international is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury, potentially limiting Arteta’s options on the left.

Meanwhile, there are still concerns about the Gunners’ centre-forward department, despite their Premier League triumph last season.

Kai Havertz has made a promising start to the campaign, but Viktor Gyokeres has struggled to establish himself as a regular starter, leading to speculation about his long-term future at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal were linked with several high-profile attacking reinforcements during the summer, including Julian Alvarez, but ultimately failed to secure another marquee addition in that department.

With the club competing for major honours on multiple fronts, sporting director Andrea Berta could therefore look to strengthen Arteta’s options when the transfer market reopens.

And fresh reports suggest Arsenal are already exploring two potential additions, with both players attracting interest from Premier League rivals.

According to CaughtOffside, Arsenal have made initial contact with agency 11WINS regarding Eintracht Frankfurt forward Can Uzun, while also exploring a potential move for Club Brugge striker Nicolo Tresoldi.

The two emerging stars are represented by the same agency, potentially giving the Gunners an opportunity to discuss both players as part of their attacking recruitment plans.

Uzun, 20, has attracted attention following his impressive performances in Germany, with Aston Villa monitoring the Turkey international having shown interest since the summer.

Frankfurt reportedly value the youngster at around €60m (£52m), reflecting his growing reputation and a contract running until 2029.

Meanwhile, Tresoldi has emerged as one of Europe’s most prolific young forwards, scoring nine goals in his opening 13 appearances this season.

REUTERS/Daniele Mascolo

The 22-year-old has also attracted interest from Arsenal’s north London rivals Tottenham, who are looking to strengthen their attacking options under Roberto De Zerbi.

However, securing the German Under-21 international could prove difficult, with Club Brugge reportedly reluctant to sanction a January departure.

Can Uzun earning huge praise amid Arsenal transfer interest

Uzun’s development at Frankfurt has earned widespread recognition, with manager Dino Toppmöller among those impressed by his performances.

“He sets very high standards for himself, which I like. He has incredible talent,” the Frankfurt boss told the official Bundesliga website.

Teammate Mario Götze has also described Uzun as “top-class technically”, while Germany legend Rudi Völler has expressed his admiration for the youngster, who opted to represent Turkey internationally.

“That’s exactly what we hoped for. He’s a wonderful footballer,” Völler said when discussing Uzun’s progress.

Nevertheless, Frankfurt’s reported asking price could present a significant obstacle for Arsenal, particularly with several other clubs keeping tabs on the forward.

Whether Berta decides to pursue either player in January remains to be seen, but the reported interest highlights Arsenal’s determination to strengthen their attacking options as they look to defend their Premier League crown.

Saka’s latest injury concern may only increase the importance of ensuring Arteta has sufficient quality and depth for the challenges ahead.