Arsenal Transfer News: Seydou Doumbia the Latest Striker Linked to the Gunners

CSKA Moscow striker Seydou Doumbia has been linked with a move to Arsenal,  ESPN Soccernet reported Thursday.

The 24-year-old Ivory Coast international is coming off a prolific 2011-12 season in which he scored 26 goals in 36 league appearances with the Russian giants, including five goals in seven Champions League matches. He notched braces against both Lille and Trabzonspor in the group stage.

Soccernet quoted him as saying he is now ready to move on from Russia, with an eye turned toward continuing to play in the Champions League (CSKA Moscow will be playing in the Europa League next season). Italy, Spain and England have all been listed as potential destinations for the forward.

Chelsea had been reported to be lining up a move for the £26 million-rated Doumbia to replace Didier Drogba, but now it appears that Arsenal have added their name to the list of suitors. Soccernet had reported that Doumbia will soon hold talks with the north London club concerning a move.

Doumbia's agent, Jean Bernard Beytrison, has attempted to cool the rumor mill.

"We are waiting for official steps to be made by some clubs, and until then I don't want to say anything," Beytrison was quoted as saying by Soccernet.

Doumbia is the latest striker to be linked to Arsenal in recent weeks, joining Montpellier's Olivier Giroud and Fulham's Clint Dempsey.