Gonzalo Higuain seems to be slipping through Arsenal‘s fingers at the moment. Madrid have upped their asking price due to interest shown by Napoli and Chelsea. Arsenal fans have already started panicking about their inactivity in the transfer window.
Arsenal’s main transfer requirement at the moment is a prolific striker who can score 20-25 goals in a season. We have lined up five possible alternatives to Gonzalo Higuain for the Gunners.
Luis Suarez
Arsene Wenger is said to have a massive transfer kitty and his primary transfer target at the moment seems to be Luis Suarez. While Suarez comes with the baggage of controversy and his dispute with the English media, he is still one of the best strikers in the world.
He can score goals and create chances and is a creative spark that Arsenal badly need. The main question is if Wenger can look past the baggage and reach the high transfer fee that Liverpool are reportedly demanding now. He should be available at around £40 million, although Liverpool are playing hardball with the transfer fee, demanding over £50 million.
Wayne Rooney
This would be a true marquee signing for Arsenal, a statement of intent to all their rivals that they mean business. Although Manchester United are unlikely to sell, a fee in the region of £30-40 million could tempt them.
Arsene Wenger and Ivan Gazidis have both come out and said that they will be able to afford Rooney’s astronomical wages of £250,000-a-week.
The monetary aspect of this deal should not be a problem. The major issue is whether or not United will to sell Rooney to an English team.
Burak Yilmaz
The Turkish frontman has a better goals-to-minutes ratio in the 2012-13 Champions League than Lionel Messi, Robert Lewandowski and Zlatan Ibrahimovic despite playing for a team which lacks the supply line of the more prestigious teams.
He would be a real coup for Arsenal as he is available for £17 million and has the pedigree to score goals consistently. Yilmaz has been the top-scorer in the Turkish League for two consecutive seasons. His Champions League experience could also play a factor in this transfer. Wenger needs this type of player in the first team to challenge for the title.
Jackson Martinez
Martinez is another proven goalscorer at the highest level. The Colombian settled into life in his first season in Europe very quickly and scored 26 goals in 30 games and helped Porto win the title last season.
He provides a physical presence up front and can hold up defenders. He is strong enough to compete in the most physical league in Europe and can follow the likes of Benteke and Lukaku.
While Porto demand £40 million for him, the eventual fee decided would be in the region of £30 million. He and Olivier Giroud can forge a potentially devastating striking partnership up front for Arsenal.
Fred
The Brazilian superstar top-scored for his country at the recently concluded Confederations Cup. Despite his age (him being 29), Wenger can still give this transfer a thought after his 30-goal season this season for Fluminense.
He can score headers and has proven himself at the international stage. His recent performance has thrust him into the transfer spotlight and Tottenham have shown interest for his signature.
Fred can be a brilliant signing for Wenger and a match-winner on his day. He is available for £9-12 million in the market and can be the bargain of the season.