Gunners prepare to dip into January transfer market.
It’s well known that Arsene Wenger is in the market for a striker for the new year. Olivier Giroud has performed admirably, but if their early season dominance is to continue then he will need someone to help him fire in the goals and take his place from time to time.
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And Wenger is taking his search so seriously that he has drawn up a five man shortlist of big name stars to help end the agonising eight year wait for silverware.
Here are, in no particular order, the five names on Wenger’s wish list.
5. Ezequiel Lavezzi – Paris Saint Germain
Games: 18 Goals: 2
The Argentine was one of the Parisian club’s marquee signings at the beginning of their new dynasty, but he has seen himself slip down the pecking order at the Parc des Princes thanks to the arrivals of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Edinson Cavani.
Capable of playing in a slightly deeper role behind the strikers, his versatility may prove useful as an arduous season wares on. However, he may be short on confidence to match his limited playing time – starting only nine of his 18 appearances so far this season, scoring twice. He may well be the cheapest option, though, as PSG are looking to move some of their unwanted stars on in the new year.
4. Stephan El Shaarawy – AC Milan
Games: 4 Goals: 1
The 21-year-old exploded onto the scene last season, bagging 19 goals in 46 appearances, but has seen his influence skid to a halt this term thanks to injury. He would also be seen as a long term solution for Wenger as his age and mobility has caught the manager’s eye.
He had been heavily linked with a move away from the San Siro over the summer, but any such move failed to materialise and he has subsequently fallen behind Mario Balotelli and Robinho in the pecking order.
3. Fernando Llorente – Juventus
Games: 14 Goals: 6
The Spanish international initially endured a difficult start to life in Serie A and found himself consigned to the bench, but he has recently began to display the kind of form that saw the Italian champions bring him on board.
However, despite turning things around, Juve are believed to be willing to listen to offers of short term deals, so though he would fill a gap, essentially that’s all he’d be.
2. Robert Lewandowski – Borussia Dortmund
Games: 24 Goals: 16
The Polish international has made it known that he is leaving the club and Arsenal are believed to be willing to make an offer in January rather than wait until the summer when he would be available for free.
However, they will likely have to compete with the likes of Real Madrid and Bayern Munich for his services.
1. Diego Costa – Atletico Madrid
Games: 21 Goals: 21
Arsenal scouts have been over to Spain several times to check on the progress of Costa who continues to score freely as Atletico keep the pace with champions Barcelona.
He will undoubtedly be the most expensive option, but also probably the best and his goals and all-round contribution will help the Gunners keep their place at the top of the table.
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