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With Theo Walcott set to miss the rest of the season after suffering a knee injury in the 2-0 FA Cup win over north London rivals Tottenham, Arsene Wenger could, as he has previously confirmed, decide to make a move and add another striker to his Arsenal squad.
Walcott has looked sharp since his return from abdominal surgery, but picked up the blow late on at the Emirates.
With Nicklas Bendtner already ruled out for a month, and Olivier Giroud is struggling for fitness after an ankle injury and illness kept him out of the third round victory. The Frenchman is expected to return for the Gunners’ next Premier League match next Monday against Aston Villa providing he recovers from sickness, while Lukas Podolski started the 2-0 win over Cardiff City last week, although the German looked short on match fitness as he continues his comeback from a hamstring injury.
If Wenger decides to strengthen during the January transfer window, he could find his options limited, especially if he is looking for someone that can feature in the Champions League that isn’t already cup-tied.
So who could the Arsenal manager turn to?
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Show all 7 1 /7Transfer news: Strikers Arsenal could sign in January Transfer news: Strikers Arsenal could sign in January Diego Costa The Atletico Madrid star has recently signed a new contract to remain in the Spanish capital, although it is reported that a £32m release clause can be activated to try and negotiate a move. Costa’s decision to leave Atletico would be surprising though, given their competitiveness in La Liga as they sit level on points with leaders Barcelona, and also their brilliant run in the Champions League. A move to London could also jeopardise his hopes of making the Spain squad for the 2014 World Cup after electing to play for the reigning champions rather than his native Brazil.
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Transfer news: Strikers Arsenal could sign in January Dimitar Berbatov His agent has already claimed that the Bulgarian would like to leave Fulham this month despite his contract expiring at the end of the season. With £2m believed to be enough to secure the former Tottenham and Manchester United striker, it would be a low cost, low risk option, but questions remain over his work rate and energy levels, and Wenger has denied any interest on his part. Whether Berbatov would quench the thirst of fans who feel another striker in integral to their title hopes remains uncertain, but he does come with a natural talent that few in the Premier League can match – if only he produced it regularly.
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Transfer news: Strikers Arsenal could sign in January Karim Benzema The Real Madrid striker was linked with a move away from the club in the summer after struggling to produce the form required to spearhead an attack that includes Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale. But the Frenchman has since hit his best, and a much mooted move to Arsenal now appears off the cards with Carlo Ancelotti determined not to sell. Benzema would no doubt be a world class acquisition that would provide further optimism at the Emirates that the Gunners are here to stay at the top, but it may take in excess of £30m (and thus bankroll a Real move for Luis Suarez) to trigger any chance of signing him this month.
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Transfer news: Strikers Arsenal could sign in January Alvaro Morata Benzema’s colleague at Real Madrid has been linked with a short-term move in the hope of seeking regular first team action, with Arsenal and Tottenham at the forefront of those rumours. Ancelotti’s desire not to let any players depart again causes an issue, but chances of securing Morata are much higher given Benzema’s current standing as the starting striker. Unproven, Morata would be an exciting talent but also back-up to Giroud, and you would have to question a decision to move to the Emirates when first team football is by no means guaranteed.
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Transfer news: Strikers Arsenal could sign in January Mario Mandzukic The Bayern Munich striker looks set to be displaced in his role as lead striker at the end of the season by the recently acquired Robert Lewandowski, and reports this morning suggest that Arsenal are one of the clubs interest in his services. A proven goalscorers, the Croatian would add experience and talent to the squad, but he’s unlikely to jump ship with Bayern on course for another trophy-laden season.
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Transfer news: Strikers Arsenal could sign in January Loic Remy On loan at Newcastle from Queens Park Rangers, Remy is available in January should Rangers receive a good enough offer. Remy has looked sharp throughout the first half of the season, leading the line for the Magpies with 10 goals in 18 appearances. It could take over £10m to acquire the Frenchman though, but Remy would inject a turn of pace that Giroud does seem to lack at the moment.
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Transfer news: Strikers Arsenal could sign in January Michu Swansea’s signing of the season last year hasn’t been as prolific this term, but his eye for a goal remains undoubted given his 22 goals in all competitions during his first year at the Liberty Stadium. However, Michu is currently on the sidelines through injury and would be a pointless signing to solve the current injury situation that the Gunners have. Despite links with the Spaniard, this move looks like a complete no-go.
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