Arsenal Transfers: 5 Striker Alternatives to Luis Suarez

According to The Telegraph, Arsene Wenger and Arsenal are preparing to launch a £40 million bid for Liverpool striker Luis Suarez.

That news will provoke mixed feelings among Arsenal fans. They will be delighted at Arsenal's strong show of ambition, but concerned at the possibility of acquiring a player carrying as much baggage as Suarez.

With that in mind, over the coming slides we look at five alternative strikers Arsenal could pursue. 

Gonzalo Higuain

Arsenal's move for Gonzalo Higuain appears to have hit a snag.

The last few weeks have seen several reports from reputable sources like The Guardian suggesting a deal for the Argentine striker was imminent. However, the Daily Mail now quotes Spanish newspaper Marca as saying that Higuain is set for "clear-the-air talks" with Real Madrid president Florentino Perez.

If the air is cleared and Higuain is convinced to stay, Arsenal will be forced to look elsewhere.

However, should Higuain maintain his desire to leave Madrid, he would surely represent a safer and cheaper option than Luis Suarez. 

Wayne Rooney

David Moyes insists Wayne Rooney is not for sale. According to Jamie Jackson of The Guardian, Moyes said:

"It's hard to keep repeating myself but I will – Wayne is a Manchester United player and it will remain that way."

However, we are yet to hear Rooney's side of the story.

If Rooney still feels unsettled at United, Arsenal could be waiting to pounce. Manager Arsene Wenger was recently quoted by Jamie Lewis of The Independent as saying that Rooney was part of a group of "realistic targets."

Like Luis Suarez, Rooney would arrive with his fair share of baggage. However, his talent and winning mentality would arguably make the risk worthwhile. 

Christian Benteke

Christian Benteke is arguably the most exciting young striker in the Premier League.

Aston Villa fans were dismayed when Benteke handed in a transfer request last week. In London, Arsenal fans will have been delighted.

Back in May, Benteke told Belgian newspaper Nieuwsblad (h/t the Daily Mail):

"

There is no point in me getting into a tug-of-war with Villa, and I don’t think there is any need for one. If the chance comes up for me to join a club like Arsenal, I am convinced that we can reach a compromise where everybody comes out a winner.

"

Arsenal supporters would be delighted if Arsene Wenger made Benteke's dream of joining the Gunners come true. 

Stevan Jovetic

According to Shaun Custis of The Sun, Stevan Jovetic is on the verge of joining Manchester City.

However, there may yet be time for Arsenal to gazump City's move for the Fiorentina striker.

Back in May, Sami Mokbel of the Daily Mail claimed that Arsenal had launched a £25 million bid for Jovetic's services.

Jovetic is three years younger than Suarez and would cost considerably less. However, if Arsenal want to win the race for his signature, they'll need to move quickly. 

Demba Ba

Arsenal were linked with a move for Demba Ba by The Independent just prior to the transfer window. According to Paul Hirst, Arsene Wenger admitted openly to the newspaper that he liked the player, saying:

"

I like Demba Ba, yes. 

I wouldn't like to put Newcastle or us or him in an uncomfortable position. If you ask me 'do we sign Demba Ba?' I say no.

"

Wenger was telling the truth: Ba moved to Chelsea instead.

However, according to the Mirror's Matt Law, Jose Mourinho is preparing to sell his Senegalese striker.

Arsenal might be tempted to resurrect their interest in the powerful goalscorer.