The highest of apologies for a prolonged absence. While I had the health issue as an excuse some days back, it eventually dissipated only to be replaced with a weekend away with family, followed by mega work commitments. The only thing lingering is a rather throaty cough.

Meanwhile, the Arsenal world kept spinning with an expected (if we’re honest) draw at a committed Burnley side, followed by a solid 3-0 home win against the most despicable small club going, Hull.

After Man United and Chelsea’s repeat show of some horror weekends, Arsenal have emerged twice the stronger of the ‘Top 4′ clubs within a fortnight, after so decisively being written off by everyone after the Blues mauled us 3-0 at home.

We sit an encouraging 6 points off of Chelsea, with a game in hand. Win that game (now rescheduled to January 6, at home to Bolton), and we overtake Manchester United for second place.

The doom and gloomers now turn their attentions, rightfully so, to who will replace Robin van Persie, after grumpy-guts Wenger said the Dutch forward could well miss the whole season. It’s a massive, massive loss for the club and terrible for the injury-prone genius. But even the manager says he will have to get his wallet out for the January transfer window.

My one complaint of some of the speculation – that punters are missing the fact that certain players are cup-tied – has now gone out the window, with Wenger saying he’s more than happy to buy someone ineligible for the Champions League. He effectively says that the domestic competitions are equally prioritised alongside the European Cup; that way, it makes for an enforced rotation.

So without further ado, here’s a small taste of strikers I could see us having a punt at. Hardly original, but ’tis the season and all that.

Luca Toni

A favourite from the forum-lurkers, Luca has surely got to be one of the most overrated strikers since Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and is nowhere near the Swede’s standards. Won himself the European Golden Boot several seasons ago for Fiorentina, but has looked a bit of a plank since joining Bayern Munich. Nevertheless, the Michael Owen-type temptation to sign him up, available on a free, is huge, and he would certainly offer us something both aerially and physically. His finishing is bound to frustrate fans who jumped on Adebayor’s back for similar sins.

Mario Balotelli

As talented and spontaneous as he is expensive and flammable. Has a trouble-making streak similar to Adebayor’s, which could certainly cause long-term trouble. Has an insane ability to score goals out of nothing, both from an arrowing run or from long range. Unfortunately, there is no in-depth info on his ability to hold the ball up and distribute it to players, other than some scant showings while watching Inter Milan (incredibly boring). Potentially could feed off as a support striker, but would cost far too much for something we already have.

Carlton Cole

At first I thought this was an absurd rumour over a player who, not too long ago, was more of a clumsy, bumbling forward than a close-control, incisive finisher Arsenal needed. Yet this season he’s come out of the woodwork as the one shining light for a very sorry West Ham outfit. Has power and a finishing ability, though his control, while improving, still leaves a bit to be desired. A bit of the unknown factor despite playing in the media-saturated Premier League. His default priciness as an Englishman could be offset by his club’s financial dire straits.

Eden Dzeko

The number one, if very fanciful choice for Arsene Wenger, surely? Oozes flair, a fantastic shot from range, incisive finishing, good heading ability and aerial prowess. Plenty of pace, good control, a complete package of a footballer. Cup-tied in Europe after deputising for the eliminated Wolfsburg, but could add a genuine impetus to Arsenal’s league campaign. His fantastic partnership with the Brazilian Grafite shows he could work wonders alongside our zippy support forwards and would add a real fear-factor to proceedings. Will be very expensive.

Louis Saha

Has plenty of Premier League experience and would be glad of a shot at a top 4 side away from struggling Everton. Can alternate between receiving the ball and distributing to team mates and target man. Excellent at running onto through-balls and would be a smart, if conservative, signing by Wenger. But does he have the strength that Arsenal so reportedly lack? He has traditionally played alongside players who can hold their own, for Fulham, Man United and Everton. Arsenal can’t boast the same cloggers to support him.

Who do you want to see come into the side? Leave your dream signings, and the reasons, in the comments!

Filed under: Arsenal, Blogging, Transfer Rumours