Getafe striker Borja Mayoral has revealed his surprise at links with Arsenal during the January transfer window.
The Gunners have struggled in front of goal in recent weeks, scoring just once in their last four games in all competitions. Bukayo Saka is their leading goalscoring in the Premier League with six efforts, while Eddie Nketiah, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus have managed five, four and three efforts respectively.
By contrast, former Real Madrid forward Mayoral is enjoying the best league season of his career with 12 goals in La Liga, with only Jude Bellingham scoring more so far in Spain’s top flight.
Speaking on the links with Arsenal, he said: “It’s news that has surprised me too. I haven’t spoken to the club or my agent. I’m very focused on Getafe, on a day-to-day basis.”
Spanish publication AS add that Getafe have “no intention” of letting 26-year-old Mayoral leave this month as the club hope to enjoy a deep run in the Copa del Rey and want to secure European football, currently sitting ninth in La Liga.
Arsenal manager Arteta has already said it is “not realistic” for his side to pursue a new striker this month, though there have still been links with stars like Ivan Toney, Santiago Gimenez and Joshua Zirkzee.
Reports have suggested a potential move for Bologna star Zirkzee, previously of Bayern Munich, could cost as much as £50m, while Brentford’s Toney has previously been described as “really excited” over the prospect of switching the Gtech Community Stadium for the Emirates.
Arsenal have scored 37 goals in 20 Premier League games so far this season, the seventh-most of all teams behind Manchester City, Liverpool, Aston Villa, Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United and Brighton.
Arteta’s side have dropped to fourth after a run of three league games without victory and could be fifth by the time they face Crystal Palace next Saturday if Spurs beat Manchester United on Sunday.
