Arsenal are many people’s tip for the title this season, and tonight will see them given their biggest test so far when they welcome Liverpool to the Emirates.
The Gunners have been relatively quiet this summer, with their one major signing being a bold statement, with Petr Cech joining from Chelsea.
There are still critics who believe the Gunners are short of another defensive midfielder, and an out-and-out striker to support Olivier Giroud.
The Frenchman seems to divide opinion, with consistency being his biggest issue.
He was anonymous during the opening weekend defeat to West Ham, but produced a superb finish in the 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace last week.
With just eight days of the transfer window remaining, we have identified five players the Gunners should target to support Giroud this season.
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Click on Giroud to reveal five strikers Arsenal should target to support him
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Karim Benzema
Giroud’s international teammate is unsure of his future with Real Madrid. Despite new boss Rafa Benitez insisting he won’t be sold, reports suggesting Benzema fancies a change refuse to go away.
Arsenal have been the club most heavily linked, and another deadline day raid on Real Madrid from the Gunners should not be ruled out.
The signing of the former Lyon striker would not only be a signal to the rest of the Premier League, but to the rest of Europe.
Gonzalo Higuain
The Argentine striker was a major target for Arsenal two years ago, however it was Napoli who won the race for his signature.
The 27-year-old continues to be linked with a move away from the Serie A giants, with reports today suggesting the former Real Madrid man does not see eye to eye with his new coach.
Higuain would not come cheap, but is a proven goalscorer in Spain and Italy, as well as the Argentine national side.
Keita Balde Diao
The 20-year-old is a product of the Barcelona youth academy, and has impressed in Italian football during his time with Lazio.
By no means the finished product, the Gunners have been linked with the young forward in the past frequently.
Diao’s biggest asset is his blistering pace and ability to run in behind. At his age he would not be against playing second fiddle to Giroud, and is capable of coming off the bench and producing something unexpected to win a tight game.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
The man Arsene Wenger once famously asked to take a trial at the Emirates has gone on to become one of the world’s most recognisable footballers.
Ibra has won a domestic title in nearly every major league, and at 33 may relish one final shot to add a Premier League winners medal to his collection.
Whether he would be willing to forgive Wenger for having the audacity to take a trial with the Gunners all those years ago remains to be seen however.
Alexandre Lacazette
The man described as the new Thierry Henry in his homeland has been frequently linked with a move to the Emirates this season.
Europe sat up and took notice last season as Lacazette fired 31 goals in 33 matches in all competitions for Lyon.
Blessed with blistering pace and composure in front of goal, Lacazette would fit perfectly into the current Arsenal set up.
£35million is the reported asking price for the 23-year-old.
