Arsenal’s second consecutive FA Cup success seems to have gone some way towards convincing Arsene Wenger he doesn’t need to spend big to strengthen his squad this summer.
Notorious for saving his pennies, Wenger is not one to spend unless it is absolutely necessary. And having seen his side improve majorly over the second half of the 2014-15 campaign, it seems it will be another striker at the most that arrives at the Emirates this transfer window.
Reports suggest that man could be Porto goal machine Jackson Martinez.
But with the Colombian having never featured in English football and only in the far inferior Portuguese league, you can’t help but wonder if there are better alternatives for the Gunners to consider.
Here we have identified five players Wenger could sign instead this summer.
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Click on Arsene Wenger to reveal five players Arsenal should sign instead of Jackson Martinez
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Radamel Falcao
You can’t help but feel last season was a one off with regards to Radamel Falcao.
The Colombian was one of the most feared strikers in all of Europe little over 12 months ago, and Arsene Wenger may feel Arsenal’s free-flowing attacking style may be better suited to his strengths.
Reports suggest he could be available for a cut price £20million, a figure Wenger may feel is worth taking a punt on, especially given he would have no doubt learnt a lot from his year in English football.
Karim Benzema
He may not get the headlines that Cristian Ronaldo and Gareth Bale get, but there is no doubting the French forward remains a class act.
And yet despite his excellent goal record at the Bernabeu, it seems Benzema is still not safe.
Reports continue to link Madrid with Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero, and Arsenal have been heavily linked in the past.
The prospect of linking up with fellow countryman Arsene Wenger and national strike partner Olivier Giroud may be one that appeals to the former Lyon man this summer if Real decide to sell.
Gonzalo Higuain
The Argentine international was a top target for the Gunners during the summer of 2013, only for Napoli to beat them to his signature for a massive £35million.
Two years on, and Higuain has just an Italian cup to his name – and no Champions League for next season.
If Napoli are serious about rebuilding under whichever new manager they appoint, Higuain may well be forced to make way for new signings – and the Gunners may well reignite their interest.
Alexandre Lacazette
The Frenchman is set to be one of the most wanted attackers in Europe this summer, having fired 31 goals in just 33 matches for Lyon over the course of last season.
And the 23-year-old has refused to rule out a move to the Emirates, insisting he would be open to any club capable of offering Champions League football for next season.
Similarly to Benzema, the chance to work with fellow countryman Arsene Wenger may well be one that appeals to the young forward, who is also capable of playing in the wide positions.
Fernando Llorente
The Spanish target man was on Wenger’s radar during his time at Atletico Bilbao. Ultimately it was Juventus who won the race for his signature, but Llorente has struggled to hold down a regular first team place with the Champions League finalists.
Carlos Tevez and Alvaro Morata are the first choice partnership up top for the Old Lady, and reports suggest Llorente will seek a transfer this summer.
Arsenal have often been accused of lacking a plan B, and the Spain international would certainly offer them that with his physical presence up top.
