Arsenal have as good as completed the signing of Newcastle forward Demba Ba if reports are to be believed, with the Gunners also linked with a move for wantaway AC Milan striker Alexandre Pato.
Klaas-Jan Huntelaar was the name that was heavily linked with a move to the Emirates for the last couple of months, but after the Schalke striker signed a new contract with the German club, Arsenal are now being linked with pretty much every available forward in the January transfer market.
Huntelaar would have been a great addition, but since that is no longer an option for Arsene Wenger, the Frenchman has to now move to Plan B(a), with the next likeliest signing looking like being Ba.
The Senegalese international has a much-publicized release clause, and Newcastle manager Alan Pardew has repeated said of his worry that a club would swoop for his prime striker when the window reopens next week.
Ba himself has admitted it would be a dream to move to a club like Arsenal. But all that is on expected lines with the release clause being only £7 million ($11 million), a fee which is perfect for someone as frugal as Wenger.
The 27-year-old yet again admitted a move to Arsenal was looking like a distinct possibility, although he insisted a move was not completed.
"As I've said with Arsenal, it is still far away. For now I am focusing on what I need to do for my club - Newcastle," he told RMC.
Ba is also being linked with a move to Queens Park Rangers, but there is little doubt that the striker would prefer a move to Arsenal.
The Gunners are also reportedly keen on Pato. While there is no doubting the forward's talents, what will worry Wenger is the Brazilian's recent injury record. Paro, if fit, is a brilliant player, capable of easily getting you over 20 goals a season.
But over the last couple of years, the 23-year-old has been on the injury list more than the starting lineup.
Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani confirmed both Robinho and Pato have made transfer requests, with the Brazilian duo expected to return their homeland.
Pato has been heavily linked with a move to Corinthians and with the striker keen to ply his trade in Brazil, a move to Arsenal looks extremely unlikely.
Arsenal need a striker in the January transfer window and Wenger will need to think long and hard before going in for a new player.
Adrian Lopez, David Villa or Ba would be welcome reinforcements and it remains to be seen which of those or even someone totally out of the blue will wear an Arsenal shirt come January.
