Arsenal Transfer News: Arsene Wenger and the Gunners' Top Prospects

Ian Walton/Getty Images

Robin van Persie dropped a bomb on Arsenal and their fans on July 4. He declared his interest in exploring other options and not putting the pen to the paper in signing with Arsenal again (via ESPN).

July 4 is a time for celebration here in America, but across the pond, turmoil struck the Arsenal faithful.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is expected to meet with van Persie in the next few days to discuss the contract.

In the meantime, Arsenal will be looking to add more talent to keep the team afloat. Here is who they are pursuing.

Stevan Jovetic

Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images

According to Express' Colin Mafham, Stevan Jovetic is the No. 1 target for Arsenal. The Fiorentina striker has caught the attention of Wenger and appears to be tops on their board.

He is worth about the same amount of money as van Persie, so there would be little transition monetarily.

Jovetic is one of the best young players in the world and would be a solid addition for an Arsenal club looking for an answer. He was Fiorentina's leading scorer and is a star in the making. This is one young player that Arsenal doesn't want to lose out on.

Robert Lewandowski

Jamie McDonald/Getty Images

Borussia Dortmund's Robert Lewandowski seems to be the No. 2 target for Wenger and Arsenal, according to the Daily Mail.

In 34 games in 2011-2012, Lewandowski scored 22 goals and had eight assists for Borussia Dortmund. It was a successful year for the young forward, and that catapulted him into consideration for an Arsenal transfer.

No one is going to match van Persie's goalscoring prowess, but Lewandowski can prove that goalscoring is just one of many tools a player needs to excel.

Joselu

Manuel Queimadelos Alonso/Getty Images

Joselu is also one of the best young players in the world, and that is exactly the type of player Arsenal are looking for to possibly replace van Persie.

It won't be easy to replace the star striker, but Joselu could soften the blow of the possible loss of van Persie.

Wenger is searching for the right guy, and the young and talented Joselu might be it.