3 cheap striker targets for Arsenal in January

Arsene Wenger is left in a desperate situation to spend again this January, as forwards Nicklas Bendtner & Theo Walcott will remain sidelined with long-term injuries. The French manager decided on splashing the cash on big-name Mesut Özil back on the deadline day in August, however the club might not need a signing as glamorous as the former Real Madrid star this January, instead the North Londoners could opt for a cheaper and much more feasible target during the winter window.

Here are the top three options Arsenal should consider

Eduardo da Silva – Shakhtar Donetsk

Long time, no hear, it seems the Brazilian hasn’t said his last word at Emirates after leaving the English club four years ago. Back in 2008, the forward suffered from a broken leg, which ruled him out for 12 months, spoiling his Gunner dream. Still, after making his return and scoring some key goals for the team.

Eduardo, now aged 31, has not lost his goal-scoring instinct, finding the net six times in his 14 appearances this season for Shakhtar and might be on the verge of signing a new deal with the North Londoners. The Brazilian striker quoted by Sky Sports said, ‘‘I do not know anything about it, other than what I read in the media.“

‘‘But of course, who would not like to go to Arsenal? Everybody knows that when I left, everything was done in a friendly manner.“

‘‘We are still friends and after leaving I spoke several times with Arsene Wenger. I still have many friends in London but of course this does not mean that I will come back to Arsenal.“

Eduardo would be a short-term option though, nevertheless Arsenal need a boost at the half way point of the season to keep the title dreams alive. ‘Dudu‘ is currently valued at €4 million and would be a bargain for the English giants.

Thierry Henry – New York Red Bulls

The Arsenal legend is not getting any younger, however, his presence around the team in itself would be a major boost for the club. Giroud himself a French International can learn a lot from “Titi”. Every football fan can remember Henry’s return on loan during the January 2012 window, when he netted a late winner against Leeds in the FA Cup. Titi is a Gunner at heart and surely links his future with the North Londoners, still it’s unknown whether he will rejoin the club as a player or perhaps as a new manager.

‘‘What am I going to do? I don’t know if it’s going to be coaching. I really don’t know yet. I’m trying to finish my career, which is something I have to concentrate on,“ claimed the French star.

Henry helped New York Red Bulls secure the MLS-All Star league championship, finishing the season with nine assists.

Dimitar Berbatov – Fulham

‘Berba‘ is the only inside-Premier League player on the list, currently playing for city rivals Fulham. The perfect deal for Arsenal would be a loan out until the end of the season, however Fulham are not looking forward to letting their key striker go ahead of the second season half. The Bulgarian’s contract runs out in six months, but still his agent claims his client would prefer an earlier, January exit. The Gunners have reportedly lined up a £2m bid for the 33-year-old who has scored five goals in his league appearances this season.