Robin Van Persie will be sold in the summer. After the statement that he put out on his website, Arsenal have no choice but to find the highest bidder and let their club captain go.
So now that the exit of the Gunners' most prolific scorer looks highly likely, who do Arsenal need to buy to replace the 28-year-old.
Here are a few options that Arsene Wenger has.
Fernando Llorente: It is understood, Arsenal have looked at Llorente as a potential replacement for Van Persie for a while now. While Wenger obviously knew Van Persie was planning to move on, the manager was hopeful of convincing Van Persie to stay.
Since it has become clear, the striker will leave, Wenger might want to go to Plan B and bring his focus back to Llorente. The Athletic Bilbao striker had a disappointing Euro 2012, as he was an unused substitute. However, the 27-year-old is coming off a highly successful season with Bilbao and is experienced at the highest level.
Bilbao have made it clear Llorente won't come cheap and Arsenal will have to pay £28 million ($43.5 million) for his services, which will be only about £8 million ($12.5 million) more than what Arsenal expect to get from Van Persie's sale.
Robert Lewandowski: While Borussia Dortmund have made it clear Lewandowski is not for sale, a good offer for the 23-year-old might be too hard for the German champions to refuse. Dortmund are reportedly keen on Nicklas Bendtner and the Danish striker can be used as a makeweight to convince Dortmund to sell their striker.
Klaas-Jan Huntelaar: the Dutch striker and Van Persie do not exactly get along. They had their differences in the Dutch national team, and Huntelaar, if bought, will be desperate to show the Arsenal fans he is the better player. That desire to prove himself can only improve the striker's game and will surely benefit the Gunners. At 28, he is the perfect age and in the prime of his career.
Demba Ba or Papiss Demba Cisse: Ba has a £7 million ($11 million) release clause, which has caught the attention of some of the big clubs in Europe. The Senegal international had a sensational first half of the season, before losing form in the latter part. The 27-year-old brings English Premier League experience, something Wenger always looks for in a player.
Cisse is another Newcastle United player that could easily slot into Arsenal. The Senegal international had a sensational entry into the Premier League after signing in January, but it will take an exorbitant amount to convince Newcastle to let go of their prized asset.
Stevan Jovetic: The Montenegro international has been on Arsenal and Chelsea's radar for quite a while now and the Gunners seriously considered making a move for the 22-year-old last summer. Fiorentina do not want to sell their best player; however, Jovetic has said in the past he might be open to a move. The striker will cost Arsenal in excess of £25 million ($39 million).
A No 10: Mesut Ozil, Nuri Sahin, Hatem Ben Arfa, Alan Dzagoev, Andriy Yarmolenko: Arsenal already have Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud who can play through the center. If Wenger thinks they can do the job, the Frenchman might look for the quintessential No 10, who can play just behind the striker or start from the right hand side and create goals in a 4-3-3 formation.
