Arsenal Transfer Rumors: Gunners Should Make Strong Push for Seydou Doumbia

Arsenal continues to seek out potential options at striker in case a new deal can't be reached with superstar Robin van Persie. The latest name brought into the mix is Seydou Doumbia, who would be a terrific coup for the Gunners.

The Daily Mail reports Doumbia joins Olivier Giroud of Montpellier as the team's top options as Arsene Wenger looks to bolster the attack. The only concern with the CSKA Moscow sensation would be price, which is listed at £26 million but could be negotiated.

Doumbia would bring good pace and natural goal-scoring instincts to Arsenal. He fits the mold of modern strikers at 5'10'' and uses that smaller stature to get past defenders in the blink of an eye, as he proved throughout the campaign for the Koni.

It really was a breakout season for the 24-year-old rising star. He scored 28 goals in league play to establish himself as one of the top strikers in the Russian Premier League, so it's no surprise Arsenal have keyed in on him.

Finding another striker is crucial for Wenger during the summer. Even though the Gunners were able to fight back into third place after a slow start, they lacked scoring depth with no player scoring more than eight times in EPL games aside from Van Persie.

Even if the team's biggest star decides to stay with the club, they need another offensive weapon to take some of the pressure off him. Doumbia would fill that role perfectly and should flourish with defenders forced to focus on his attacking partner.

It's not just a good move for Arsenal, either. The Ivory Coast international would benefit from a transfer to the Gunners as his ability has been widely overlooked during his time with CSKA Moscow. Russia's top division is on the rise, but its not quite on the same level as Europe's big leagues yet.

Joining Arsenal gives him a chance to finally garner the attention he deserves while also playing in the Champions League again. So there really isn't much downside to the move for Doumbia if the sides can reach an agreement on terms.

Most importantly for Gunners supporters, it's good to see Wenger venturing into the market to fill roster voids after a trying transfer window last summer. Landing a dynamic threat like Doumbia would be a clear signal that this year will be different.

As with any deal, it will come down to the price tag. But, if Wenger can work some magic, it would be a perfect move for Arsenal.