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Stevan Jovetic. David Villa. Gonzalo Higuain. Luis Suarez. What is common among all four strikers? You guessed it. All four front men were linked with a switch to the Emirates but, for a variety of reasons, a move for either one of them did not pan out.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger demonstrated the Gunners all new ‘financial firepower’ that chief executive Ivan Gazidis was harping about, with an ambitious £40 million bid for Suarez.
However, with so much money at their disposal, Wenger has, in typical fashion, only an unknown France youth striker purchased on a free transfer to show for his efforts.
But, for the first time in recent years, Arsenal haven’t lost a quality player they did not want to sell, and a new ‘marquee’ signing added to such a stable squad could really go places next season. However, the north London side have been unsuccessful in landing that marquee signing so craved by the Gunners’ faithful. So far.
There are still two weeks for the transfer window to slam shut, which means there is enough time for Wenger to find a suitable alternative and bring in some much-needed fresh blood into the squad.
Even though Wenger has reiterated that Arsenal can still challenge for the Premier League with or without new additions, a prolific striker would surely rejuvenate the squad and aid in their quest for silverware.
With quite a few top strikers like Edison Cavani, Radamel Falcao, etc. having moved on, there are not many options to choose for Wenger and his scouting department. However, there are still some talented goalscorers in the market, and below is a list of five potential forwards that the Frenchman can target:
Jackson Martinez
Porto’s Colombian forward Jackson Martinez celebrates after scoring a goal during the Portuguese first league football match Pacos Ferreira vs FC Porto at the Mata Real stadium in Pacos Ferreira, on May 19, 2013. MIGUEL RIOPA/AFP/Getty Images
The 26-year-old lit up the Portuguese league last season by smashing 34 goals in 43 appearances in all competitions en route to winning the league and cup double with Porto. Few would have predicted the Colombian making as big an impact as his predecessors Falcao and Hulk, but he successfully filled their boots in what was a stupendous season for the once-unknown Martinez.
The centre-forward has been tipped to leave Porto after admitting that he is open to a move away from the club. However, any club interested in his services would have to shell out a commanding €40 million, a price which ultimately forced Napoli out of the picture.
Spurs and Liverpool are currently credited with an interest in the Porto striker, but Arsenal will be considered the favourites, should they choose to bid for him, since they can offer the Colombia striker Champions League football.
Leandro Damiao
Leandro Damiao
The Internacional striker has been a perennial transfer target for fierce rivals Spurs, who have so far been unable to agree a deal for his services with the Brazilian club. They have consistently been priced out of a move for the 24-year-old, since Inter are hell-bent on raising his transfer fee every now and again, which is currently set at €25 million.
Despite suffering a dip in form last season, his predatory instincts inside the box enabled him to notch 18 goals and help Inter win the league title. The 6’1″ striker also has the physical presence to be a success in the Premier League, and his playing style is akin to that of Chelsea legend Didier Drogba.
However, Arsenal will have to contend with the dilly-dallying of Inter if they are serious about landing the Brazilian.
Samuel Eto’o
Cameroonian football player Samuel Eto’o
Anzhi Makhachkala hit-man Samuel Eto’o is the world’s best paid footballer but with the club currently in turmoil and looking to cut costs, the former Barcelona striker is destined to leave the Russian outfit.
However, the chances of the Cameroon international joining Arsenal is slim since the forward is inclined towards a move to Stamford Bridge and a reunion with former Inter Milan coach Jose Mourinho at Chelsea, who is incidentally on the lookout for a new striker.
At 32 years of age, Eto’o may not fall into Wenger’s transfer philosophy, but he is still lethal in front of goal and has vital experience of winning trophies at the highest level – a trait required at Arsenal.
Burak Yilmaz
Burak Yilmaz of Turkey pose at the line up prior the UEFA EURO 2012 Group A qualifying match between Turkey and Germany at Tuerk Telekom Arena on October 7, 2011 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Bongarts/Getty Images)
The Turkish international has been one of the most sought-after players in Europe in recent seasons. The 28-year-old scored the most number of goals in the group stages of the Champions League last year and his stellar performances for Galatasaray has seen him being monitored by top European clubs.
Even though Gala are trying to develop a great team that can compete for the Champions League, richly illustrated by their capture of Drogba and Sniejder, they are open to the possibility of selling Yilmaz, who scored 24 league goals in 30 appearances last season, for the right price.
With the transfer fees currently being dished out on strikers in the transfer window, Wenger can get a real gem of a player for just £20 million. Yilmaz has the potential to really thrive on the big stage and he could be key to Arsenal reviving their fortunes on the pitch.
Edin Dzeko
Edin Dzeko #10 of Manchester City poses with trophy after defeating Sunderland during the Barclays Asia Trophy Final match between Manchester City and Sunderland at Hong Kong Stadium on July 27, 2013 in So Kon Po, Hong Kong. (Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images for FA Premier League)
Recent reports have suggested that Arsenal have lined up a move for Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko to spearhead their attack next season. The Bosnia international was City’s top scorer in the league last season with 14 strikes, even though he was employed more as a super-sub.
City have already told potential suitors that Dzeko is not for sale and with new manager Manuel Pellegrini voicing his approval of Dzeko’s talents, it is unlikely that the 27-year-old will depart the Etihad this summer.
However, the summer arrivals of fellow forwards Stevan Jovetic and Alvaro Negredo means Dzeko is not guaranteed a starting berth in the first eleven. With this year being a World Cup year, Dzeko would want to be playing regular football, which is more probable at the Emirates.
