It’s not been the best few weeks for Arsenal on the striker pursuit front.
They were strongly linked with PSG star Edinson Cavani after his touchline bust-up with manager Laurent Blanc, but the Uruguay international has since downplayed rumours suggesting he could be on his way to the Premier League this summer – as reported by The Daily Star – whilst a host of rival suitors have emerged from the woodwork.
Indeed, according to reports from The Express yesterday evening, Manchester United, Liverpool and Juventus are all targeting the £60million-rated front-man.
So although Cavani is a sensational talent, boasting 150 goals in 224 appearances throughout affluent spells with Napoli and the French champions, it might be time for the Gunners to consider some viable alternatives.
And using our god-given powers of transfer know-how, Football Fancast have come up with a list of five centre-forwards the Gunners should resultantly turn to this summer.
Could one of these FIVE prove equally formidable as Arsenal’s next front man?
CHRISTIAN BENTEKE
Just as Christian Benteke seemed to be regressing towards the realms of mediocrity, he’s re-emerged as one of the most formidable front-men in the Premier League.
Since Tim Sherwood took the managerial reigns at Aston Villa from Paul Lambert in February, the beastly Belgian has claimed nine goals, two assists and four man of the match awards in ten appearances across all competitions.
In terms of height and power, the 6 foot 3 striker fits Arsenal’s lone striking role perfectly – and his deft link-up play often goes unappreciated.
Now 24 years of age and on the verge of ending his third consecutive Premier League campaign with double figures, Benteke seemed destined to join one of Europe’s higher powers.
Tim Sherwood has recently admitted the Belgium international could force a move away this summer, but he’ll likely set suitors back around £25million.
CARLOS BACCA
Arsenal were strongly linked with Carlos Bacca at the start of the season and they’d be well-advised to revive their interest after the Colombian international’s sensational 2014/15 campaign.
Last season, his 21 goals helped fire the La Liga outfit to a Europa League title, but he’s already matched that haul this year in just 43 outings, bringing his grand total to 42 in 95 for Sevillistas.
The 28 year-old is quick, powerful and unorthodox in style, suggesting he’d be a good fit for the physical demands of the Premier League.
According to The Metro, the former Club Brugge man has a release clause of just £21.3million, which should be well within Arsenal’s financial reach this summer.
ANDRE PIERRE GIGNAC
A token bargain amid a list of otherwise expensive stars, Andre Pierre Gignac might not meet the calibre of some of the aforementioned names but he will be leaving Marseille on a free transfer this summer.
And the 29 year-old has been in fantastic form over the last three seasons, bagging 60 goals and eight assists in his last 118 appearances for L’OM, including twenty strikes this term.
Measuring in at 6 foot 2 and famed for his broad shoulders, the France international would offer a similar kind of front-man service to Edinson Cavani, albeit in a somewhat less eloquent manner.
As previously stated, he’ll be leaving Stade Velodrome under the bosman ruling this summer. According to talkSPORT, however, he’s already ‘agreed a move in principal’ with Dynamo Moscow.
PAULO DYBALA
The striker virtually every major club in Europe want to get their hands on this summer, mooted suitors of Palermo prodigy Paulo Dybala include the likes of Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea, PSG and Juventus.
Indeed, the 21 year-old’s 13 goals and ten assists in 30 Serie A appearances this term have seen him emerge as one of the hottest prospects on the continent, drawing comparisons with Sergio Aguero, Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.
He certainly shares the latter’s drive, energy and potency on the counter-attack, and after ripping up Italian defences on a weekly basis appears ready for the next level.
Club president Maurizio Zamparini has made no secret of his desire to cash-in on the young Argentine this summer – even claiming he’ll be sold before the end of April.
But as previously stated, there’s huge already competition for the £30million-rated striker’s signature.
GONZALO HIGUAIN
Easily the most proven suggestion on this list, Gonzalo Higuain boasts a prolific haul of 224 goals in 442 appearances throughout his spells with River Plate, Real Madrid, Napoli and the Argentina national team.
Arsene Wenger tried to sign the 27 year-old in summer 2013 until a lengthy dispute over his price-tag, but now the move makes more sense than ever; he and Mesut Ozil built up quite the on-pitch rapport at Real Madrid and if the Gunners gaffer can replicate that in north London, he’ll be onto a real winner.
In direct contrast to Cavani, Higuain is diminutive, quick and technical. He’s also very astute at bringing others to the game – a trait that should bear particular significance in regards to Arsenal’s high-scoring midfield – with 14 assists over his last two Serie A campaigns.
The Argentine international will reportedly leave the Naples outfit this summer if they fail to qualify for the Champions League, and according to The Independent, he’ll be available for around £30million.