Arsenal Transfer News: Arsene Wenger Tabs Stevan Jovetic as Gunners Top Target

Speculation has been swirling around Arsene Wenger and his Arsenal squad. Everyone wants to know how they will replace star striker Robin van Persie at the top of their attack next season.

The Gunners did manage to bring in Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud earlier this offseason, but they will need more to replace Van Persie's prolific production. In Giroud's case, we don't even know how he will adapt from Ligue 1's so-so play to the elite play of the English Premier League.

Two names seem to pop up with relative frequency as realistic and ideal options. Borussia Dortmund's Robert Lewandowski and Fiorentina's Stevan Jovetic are two of the most talented young players in the world.

Now, it's official. According to the Express' Colin Mafham, Wenger has tabbed Jovetic as his team's No. 1 target.

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Wenger is understood to have Fiorentina striker Stevan Jovetic as his No.1 target, but he faces competition from Chelsea for a player who is also valued at around £25m. Borussia Dortmund’s Polish ace, Robert Lewandowski, 23, is believed to be next on the list.

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This makes sense. Jovetic is comparable to Van Persie in terms of finances, and he has considerable potential. According to albawaba.com, Tottenham is also expected to seek his services.

The albawaba.com report compares Jovetic to former Italian legend Roberto Baggio. That's high praise for the 22-year-old European starlet.

He's viewed as one of Europe's top young players because of his superb technical ability and versatility. He can play as a second striker, or a central attacking midfielder. Either way, he would be a major addition to the Gunners' attack.

He's scored 22 goals in 84 career appearances with Fiorentina in Serie A. With the Montenegro national squad he's scored nine goals in 20 career appearances. At his age, he possesses a pretty impressive resume.

Jovetic is excellent at creating his own space and working in tight quarters. His excellent foot skills give him opportunities to create offense of his own, or find an open teammate for an easy scoring chance.

His ability to play multiple positions would give flexibility to the Gunners' attack and generate some excitement about the future of the club.

This is a no-brainer for Wenger. If you get a chance to bring in Jovetic, you do it. It's worth outbidding fellow EPL squads Chelsea and Tottenham to ensure he plays for your side next season.

Jovetic isn't going to match Van Persie's goal-scoring, but he could draw up to his level in the coming years.