Arsenal's hopes of £22m bargain are over, forward of 'enormous quality' signs new contract

Could Jordan Pickford’s heroics in the Everton net be the final push Arsenal need to revive their ailing Premier League title hopes via the transfer market?

As the England number one pulled out a procession of saves on a hugely frustrating Saturday afternoon at the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal – try as they might – failed to add to a pretty underwhelming tally of 21 open play goals from 15 matches.

A tally no fewer than nine teams, including managerless Wolves, can better.

So if the Arsenal faithful wanted attacking additions last season – when Mikel Arteta’s team hit the target over 90 times – it’s fair to suggest the clamour for reinforcements is growing with every chance the misfiring Gunners squander these days.

TBR understands that Arsenal are scouting Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting Lisbon.

RB Leipzig hitman Benjamin Sesko has been watched too, while Alexander Isak’s contract uncertainty at Newcastle United may also yet play into Arteta’s hands.

The versatile Jamie Leweling, though, was always unlikely to feature too highly on the Christmas lists of many on the Emirates terraces.

Because, while he can play at centre-forward, Leweling would be a signing more in the Leandro Trossard mould. A highly flexible, affordable addition likely to strengthen Arsenal’s squad rather than their starting XI.

Arsenal target Jamie Leweling signs new Stuttgart contract

TBR understands that Arsenal watched Jamie Leweling score on his Germany debut against the Netherlands back in October.

But if the London giants had plans for a potential £22 million January deal, those plans can now be put to bed. Leweling signed a new contract with Stuttgart on Tuesday. One which, crucially, removes that alleged 25 million euro release clause, per Sky Germany.

“I know exactly what I have in VfB, so I’m really happy about this contract extension,” Leweling tells the official Stuttgart website.

“The coach [Sebastien Hoeness], the management and everyone in and around the club have faith in me and have shown me incredible support in my development. I want to get back on the pitch soon and pick up where I left off before my injury.”

Leweling scored four goals and set up seven more as Stuttgart finished second in the Bundesliga last term, securing a return to the Champions League while relegating Bayern Munich down to third on the final day of 2023/24.

A hamstring issue has restricted Leweling’s involvement this season, however. The former Union Berlin and Greuther Furth attacker has not been seen since November, and perhaps Arsenal would have stayed clear in the January window anyway until Leweling has the chance to return to his pre-injury peak.

Bundesliga outfit delighted to keep Germany star in the building

Stuttgart lost top scorer Serhou Guirassy and captain Waldemar Anton to Borussia Dortmund over the summer. Amid concerns that Hoeness’ impressive squad would be targeted again by hungry piranhas, Leweling’s new deal is a massive sigh of relief.

“Jamie has become a difference-maker at VfB,” beams Fabian Wohlgemuth, Stuttgart’s board member for sport. “As well as bringing an important spark to our game, he initiates and takes part in a lot of key moves.

“His international call-up is clear indication of the performance levels Jamie has achieved in recent months. We’re delighted to have Jamie’s unequivocal commitment and that this contract extension has enabled us to retain a player of enormous quality in Stuttgart.”