According to a report by Metro on Friday, October 16, 2026, talkSPORT presenter Adrian Durham has urged Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta to pursue Manchester City striker Erling Haaland in the January transfer window, arguing that the Norwegian could address the club's concerns in attack.

Durham believes Haaland's exceptional goalscoring record would transform Arsenal's forward line and help the Gunners compete for major domestic and European trophies for years to come.

His recommendation comes amid uncertainty surrounding Manchester City's future, with the Premier League club facing the prospect of significant punishment following findings that it breached 114 financial rules over a nine-season period.

The potential consequences have raised questions about the futures of several City players, although there has been no confirmation that Haaland intends to leave the Etihad Stadium.

Arsenal, meanwhile, explored the possibility of signing a new striker during the summer transfer window but failed to secure their preferred target, Julian Alvarez, who plays for Atletico Madrid.

Durham believes Arteta should now consider Haaland as a long-term solution to the team's attacking concerns. He argued that Arsenal could become a more formidable side if they secured the services of a striker capable of delivering goals consistently at the highest level.

The talkSPORT presenter also questioned whether Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyokeres could provide the elite finishing ability Arsenal require to challenge for major honours.

He argued that Arteta needed to reassess his confidence in the current attacking options and consider bringing in a proven goalscorer who could make an immediate difference.

Durham explained that Arsenal should submit a substantial offer for Haaland rather than make a proposal that Manchester City would be unwilling to accept. He believes the financial commitment would be justified by the striker's ability to strengthen the team and improve its chances of winning trophies.

The presenter also suggested that Haaland could seek an exit if Manchester City received severe sporting sanctions, including relegation or substantial points deductions.

Durham maintained that the Norway international would want to continue playing at the highest level, making a move to Arsenal an attractive possibility if City's circumstances deteriorated significantly.

However, there is no confirmation that Haaland wants to leave Manchester City or that Arsenal are preparing a bid for the striker.

Durham's proposal remains a recommendation rather than an indication of an active transfer negotiation between the clubs.

The presenter believes Haaland would give Arsenal the high-profile attacking figure needed to compete consistently in England and Europe. His suggestion also places renewed attention on Arteta's options at centre-forward as the January transfer window approaches.