Arsenal are flying high in the Premier League as they sit two points behind early pace-setters Manchester City and look capable of mounting a serious title challenge in the coming months.
Whilst Theo Walcott has been excelling in a forward role, and Olivier Giroud has found some form coming off the bench, question marks still remain as to whether the Gunners boast a strong enough attack to overcome their rivals.
Unlike Chelsea and Manchester City, Arsenal do not seem to have that guaranteed 20-goal-a-season striker; which could prove to be decisive towards the latter stages of the campaign.
Therefore, Arsene Wenger is expected to dip into the January transfer market and add to his forward contingent but it’s not known whether he will purchase a world-class first-team striker or another attacking option.
With the options out there though, Wenger has plenty of choice and the following five players would provide a huge boost to the Gunners attack.
Click on Walcott below to see FIVE strikers Arsenal must target in January and let us know your favourite option in the comments!
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Antoine Griezmann
French international Antoine Griezmann has gone from strength to strength in recent seasons, excelling with Real Sociedad and his national side; which earned him a move to Atletico Madrid.
In the Spanish capital Griezmann has continued to shine, with the 24-year-old forward showing fine form to propel Atletico into domestic and European contenders. However, Arsenal have added them to a their wish-list before next summer’s European Championship.
What’s potentially crucial for Arsenal is the fact that at just 24, Griezmann can continue to develop into a world beater. On top of this, he is also capable of playing out wide which gives Wenger added versatility; meaning he could play alongside Olivier Giroud or Theo Walcott.
Karim Benzema
The dream that failed to materialise over the summer was Karim Benzema, as the Gunners chased and chased the Real Madrid striker without any luck. He confirmed his intention to remain in the Spanish capital, which he called his ‘home’.
Benzema’s love affair may have turned sour though as he stated his frustration at being continually substituted by new boss Rafael Benitez. If these issues continue throughout the coming months, then a January exit could be on the cards.
Without a doubt, Benzema is the calibre of forward that can propel Arsenal to the Premier League title.
Aleksandr Kokorin
Not a big name but Aleksandr Kokorin seems to be the most likely forward signing for Arsenal in January. After a failed swoop on transfer deadline day for the Russian, Arsene Wenger has maintained interest and continues to be linked with a swoop in the New Year.
A £7m fee may be enough to bring Kokorin to the Premier League, where it’s likely he wouldn’t become a first-team regular but would instead challenge Theo Walcott and Olivier Giroud for a starting spot; adding squad depth to the team.
With Arsenal hoping to be fighting on four fronts in the New Year, including in Europe, another capable striker would provide a huge boost to the team.
Alexandre Lacazette
After a record-breaking season with Lyon in Ligue 1 last season, a spanner seems to have been thrown in the works for Alexandre Lacazette. Transfer rumours surrounded him in the summer but he eventually penned a new deal with the French side.
That didn’t solve the issues though as Lacazette was furious that Lyon’s owner made details of the new contract public, whilst also accusing manager Hubert Fournier of failing to protect him. With Lyon also struggling this term, a January exit could well be on the cards.
Lacazette may actually prove to be cheaper than he was in the summer, as two goals thus far in the Ligue 1 campaign represents a poor return for the highly-regarded French forward.
Gonzalo Higuain
If there’s any guarantees in a transfer window, it’s that Arsenal will be linked to the signature of Gonzalo Higuain- a trend that has continued since the summer of 2013, where the Gunners lost to Napoli in the race for the Argentine’s signature.
A January exit is reportedly on the cards though, with Higuain’s agent listening to offers across Europe; believed to be from La Liga sides and a few in the Premier League. Arsenal are said to be alerted to Higuain’s signature, who could be available for £33m.
However, the South American isn’t regarded as highly as he was two years ago after frustrating performances at the past two international tournaments with Argentina and failing to reach the Champions League with Napoli last term.
