Scouting for Arsene Wenger: Three realistic alternatives for Olivier Giroud

Arsenal have been light in the striking department from the start of the season, having failed in their bid to bring Luis Suarez from Liverpool while Gonzalo Higuain opted to join Napoli instead. This has meant that Olivier Giroud is Arsene Wenger’s only real option up front, with Niklas Bendtner as backup.

With the January window coming up, here’s a look at three players they can look at to bolster their strike force.

1. Edin Dzeko

Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko arrived to join Roberto Mancini’s City side in 2011 but was never really considered the first-choice up front by Mancini and neither is he considered the same Manuel Pellegrini, leaving the door open for a possible move to Arsenal.

If he really wants to leave given the World Cup next summer, Arsenal’s title challengers are a great option for him. He’s already well acquainted with the pace of the Premier League, and will take less time to adjust. He’s not all that dissimilar a center-forward to Giroud which means Arsenal wouldn’t need to adjust to him particularly and he wouldn’t really need to adjust to them because the style of play at City is often very similar to Arsenal’s.

City could knock down the price or shave off some of his wages due to astronomically high wage and completely unfeasible wage structure and Arsenal could have a top striker in the peak years of his career. The only question is will they sell to a potential title rival?

2. Javier Hernandez

Hernandez is high on the list at the Emirates and according to multiple sources, the Gunners have compiled an extensive dossier on the Mexico striker following numerous scouting missions.

A move for Hernandez is viewed as a realistic option by the north London club given the 25-year-old’s lack of game time at Old Trafford. Yet, while the Mexico international may be tempted by a move in order to get more first-team action considering it is a World Cup year, it is unlikely to be to the Emirates as United will be loathed to sell a player to one of their rivals.

Hernandez hinted at an exit from the club when he retweeted a link to a news story from Sky Sports that centered around him leaving United. Hernandez has racked up 50 goals in just 71 starts but under new boss David Moyes he has found himself firmly behind Robin Van Persie, Wayne Rooney and Danny Welbeck in the club’s pecking order.

Wenger is reportedly ready to offer as much as £17m for Hernandez given the potential and proven Premier League ability the speedy instinctive finisher possesses.

3. Jay Rodriguez

Southampton striker Jay Rodriguez could be an ideal signing for Arsenal. Following a continuous stream of impressive performances this season, the speedy striker was given his maiden England call-up. He is fast, an excellent dribbler and when given the chance, he is a brilliant goal scorer, and in 203 career appearances, Rodriguez has 63 goals to his name. At 24, he is yet to reach his full potential.

It would be an odd transfer on Arsenal’s behalf but at the same time, this could be a potentially incredible one. It is more than likely he would form a great partnership with fellow Englishmen Theo Walcott, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Jack Wilshere and as witnessed with Olivier Giroud, given Arsenal’s impressive midfield behind him, any striker will score at the club.

Rodriguez signed for Southampton in 2012 for £7m from Burnley, so, Arsenal need to pay few millions more in order to convince the club to sell.