Five Strikers Arsenal Could Target Instead Of Mario Balotelli

Can any of these five star forwards do a job at the Emirates…?

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Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has confirmed that his side will not be signing Mario Balotelli this transfer window, but with only Olivier Giroud available as a top level forward – it seems certain that the veteran French boss will go in for a striker before the start of the 2014/15 season.

Here’s five men he could target instead…

5) Mario Mandzukic – Bayern Munich

Mandzukic has won consecutive Bundesliga titles with Bayern Munich, but because Pep Guardiola’s mean have captured Robert Lewandowski, the Croatian powerhouse is no longer needed at the Allianz Arena. He wants to leave the German club, and having scored 33 league goals in two seasons, has more than enough top level pedigree to do a job for the Gunners. Arsenal are heavily interested. 

4) Loic Remy – QPR

Remy has a release clause with the newly promoted Premier League club of £8m, which is well within Arsenal’s budget. He’s currently on international duty with France at the World Cup, but he could quite plausibly wrap up a transfer to the Emirates upon the tournament’s completion.

3) Vincent Aboubakar – Lorient 

The only player who scored more goals in Ligue 1 last season than this young Cameroonian was legendary forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Aboubakar is very strong, quick, and despite not showing his ability at the World Cup – has the potential to develop into a top level forward.

4) Wilfried Bony – Swansea

In all competitions last season, the 25-year-old Ivorian bagged 25 goals, announcing himself as one of the premier strikers in English football. Swansea have signed Gomis, which could open the door for a potential move to the North London giants. 

5) Alexandre Lacazette – Lyon

Lacazette can play either on the wing or up top – and last term in France, the pacey versatile attacker scored 15 in Ligue 1, impressing Arsenal and Liverpool scouts in the process. The striker hinted in April that he’d be open to a Premier League move, and his quick feet and clever link up play would seemingly suit the Guners perfectly.