The likely hitmen for Arsenal in January

The talk on the town is that a striker is at the top of Arsene's agenda for the transfer window, and if Nicklas Bendtner fails a fitness test on friday then this will be even more likely to happen. Obviously Arsene is not a man for throwing around money as if there were no tomorrow, meaning that signing the likes of Dzeko, Villa et al is not going to happen, even if one assumes that Arsene rated these over-hyped players.

I have assumed that Arsene would want a ready made player who can handle the pace of the Premiership, for that reason it is highly likely that any signing will come from an English club. He would either want someone older and experienced on a short term deal to fill the void, or someone younger on a longer term deal who would have some resale value. This is my list of players that would roughly fit Arsene's bill:

Cartlon Cole - a young English powerhouse that can be unstoppable on his day. He is strong in the air, skillful, very able at holding the ball up and has a very decent goalscoring record in the last couple of years (17 goals in 40 premiership games). At 26 he would be in his prime, counting against him is his recent run of injuries. However with West Ham needing cash he may be available for a reasonable price, being English and young anything under ten million would represent decent value in today's market. Arsenability - 7/10.

Loius Saha - This 31 year old Frenchmam has only six months left on his Everton contract. His goalscoring record is impressive, 10 goals in 17 Premiership games this season with a fantastic record at Fulham and a decent record at Manure. When fit he is a handful, quick and very sharp when running on the shoulder of the last defender, handy in the air as well. His injury troubles of the last few years will count against him but he may well be available for a knock down fee given his contract. Arsenability 6/10.

Peter Crouch - This tall bean pole like English striker has been included just to check that people bother reading these posts properly. A very average player who relies upon using his freakish limbs to foul defenders, despite his size his goal scoring record is distinctly average, he has also demonstrated a significant self esteem problem by signing for Tottenham Hotspur. About as likely to be offered an Arsenal contract as Harry Redkapp is to fill in his tax returns honestly. Arsenability 0/0.

Kenwyne Jones - This 25 year old powerful Sunderland striker hails from Trinidad and Tobago. He has recovered well from a serious cruciate ligament injury in 2008. His goal scoring record is decent but not breath taking average around a goal very three games in the Premiership. He is the right type of player for Arsenal and Sunderland do have Bent and Campbell already on their books. Having just recently signed a long term deal with the Mackems he would not come cheap. Arsenability 2/10.

Hugo Rodallega - This beast of a Colombian is only 24 years old. He has had a good season for a struggling Wigan side, scoring 7 Premiership goals in 19 games, previously he average a goal every other game in the Mexican league. He may be only 5 foot eleven inches tall but he is very strong aerially, he is also pacey and capable of running on the last defender. Unfortunately he would not come cheap, Wigan do not let their prized assets escape without being adequately rewarded and this would make any deal with Arsenal less likely. Arsenability 4/10.

As Arsene says there is always a lot more media talk than actual action when it comes to transfer windows. A lot will also depend on the fitness of a certain young Dane. However if one assumes that we are going to buy then I would say it will be Cole or Saha, simply because they will be much cheaper than any other options, one because of his club's circumstances and the other because his contract is almost up. I would be interested to know what anyone else thought on the striker situation.

ps the game against Bolton looks like it will go ahead
pps cancel that, the game is off