Arsenal Transfer Rumours: Top 7 Strikers Arsene Wenger Would Love to Sign

The common consensus this summer is that Arsene Wenger needs to improve the defensive strength of his team.  But the manager has also been eager to sharpen up Arsenal's attacking proficiency.

Ivory Coast forward Gervinho was officially unveiled as an Arsenal player this week and the club has been linked with a host of strikers throughout the current transfer window.

Some of the attacking talents who have been mentioned as possible Arsenal targets are high profile names who would lift the spirits of disenchanted sections of Arsenal's support.  Others are less well known players who could thrive on a bigger stage.

Here are seven strikers Arsene Wenger could look to add to his front line.

7. Kevin Doyle, Wolverhampton Wanderers

Arsene Wenger is known to be a huge admirer of Kevin Doyle.  The Republic of Ireland international is a combative presence in the box who combines strength, energy and savvy to be a danger to opposition defenses.

The former Reading FC hitman has great aerial prowess and is an efficient link player.  Doyle's ability to hold the ball up would be useful to Arsenal who don't really have another striker as proficient at controlling high balls and long clearances.

He has the awareness and instincts to adapt nicely to the pattern of Arsenal's play.  The Wolves' talisman is not the most prolific striker and would need to double his scoring output to truly be considered a success at the Emirates stadium.

Signing Doyle would hardly be a move to assuage the Arsenal fans who are restless for big name arrivals.  Wolves manager Mick McCarthy would also expect a hefty transfer fee.

6. Jermain Defoe, Tottenham Hotspur

The very mention of Arsenal swooping for a player who warmed the bench at Tottenham for much of last season is sure to illicit a stringent response from both sides of North London.

But Jermain Defoe is an intriguing option for the Gunners.  The idea of the England international featuring in the Arsenal attack has a lot of merit.

Ill suited to a Spurs' forward line that has a tactical reliance on players feeding off knockdowns from Peter Crouch, Defoe is at his best when give the opportunity to work within a flowing passing game.

Defoe has produced his finest moments for Tottenham when he has been the focal point of the attack, rather than a big target man.  This has allowed Spurs' to continue their attractive approach play in and around the box and Defoe has thrived on the service from quality passers like Luka Modric and Tom Huddlestone.

At Arsenal there would be no shortage of players creative enough to take advantage of Defoe's talents.  Defoe specialises in using his quickness to nip in between defenders and latch onto clever through passes.

He is a very direct payer in the box, something which cannot be said about many of Arsenal's existing attacking options.  Not the most polished finisher, Defoe compensates by utilising his powerful shooting ability from both feet.

A projected fee in excess of £10 million seems steep and it would not be easy for Arsene Wenger to pry Defoe from the clutches of Harry Redknapp.  But in the Gunners' thoughtful, short passing game, Defoe has the attributes to shine. 

5. Peter Odemwingie, West Bromwich Albion

In the early days of the summer transfer window Arsenal were linked with a move for West Brom striker Peter Odemwingie.  The Nigerian international enjoyed a productive first season in the Premership, netting 15 goals.

A clever player with a neat touch and deceptive speed Odemwingie would fit in well at Arsenal.  He offers decent top level experience.  The former Lille and Lokomotiv Moscow man has previously played in the Champions League and has amassed 47 international caps.

The 30-year old, 6'0" Odemwingie quickly adapted to the rigours of the Premier League and could be a valuable contributor amongst Arsenal's attacking options.

West Brom are keen to tie him down to a long-term deal though and a move to Arsenal reportedly broke down because of Odemwingie's wage demands.

4. Hugo Rodallega, Wigan Athletic

In his own mind at least, Hugo Rodallega is a favourite target of Arsene Wenger.  Rodallega has regularly claimed that the Gunners covet his services.  The charismatic Wigan Athletic front man certainly has the talent to succeed at a higher level.

Rodallega's long striding, pacey style and good ball skills make him an active presence along the forward line.  He possesses a strong shot and is capable in the air.  Rodallega would offer strength and craft to the Arsenal attack.

Despite his ability, Rodallega doesn't score the number of goals he should.  The Colombian forward can be guilty of drifting in and out of games and needs to show the motivation and commitment to reach his full potential.

3. Keisuke Honda, CSKA Moscow

Nominally listed as a midfielder, Keisuke Honda frequently plies his trade in a much more advanced role.  The Japanese prodigy is actually the kind of creative, deep lying forward Arsene Wenger loves to incorporate within his tactical structure.

Honda's speed of thought and smooth technique sets him apart from others on the pitch.  Arsene Wenger once labelled him a "genius" while commentating a Japan game.  Honda is a threat from free kicks and has the knack of perfectly timing his runs into the box.

The CSKA Moscow star would be a dangerous weapon for the Gunners, provided he could quickly acclimatise himself to the physical demands of the Premier League.

Honda has been tipped to leave Moscow and Blackburn Rovers are reportedly keen to table a bid.  But Arsene Wenger could still pounce to capture the signature of a player he greatly admires.

2. Karim Benzema, Real Madrid

Karim Benzema is a player of immense talent but one who has failed to consistently live up to his reputation during his time in the Spanish capital.

Arsene Wenger is known to rate Benzema highly and the French striker's arrival would certainly raise the profile of Arsenal's forward line and signal the Gunners' determination to seriously compete for major honours.

A strong and mobile striker, Benzema is blessed with a powerful shot and a quick turn.  His poaching instincts and muscular presence in the box would be a tremendous assets to Arsenal's attack.

The projected fee lies in the region of £27 million.  This exorbitant price along with Benzema's desire to succeed with Real Madrid, could prohibit any attempt by Arsene Wenger to secure the potent finisher.

1. Samuel Eto'o, Inter Milan

Signing Samuel Eto'o would be a dream scenario for Arsenal.  The Cameroon international is still one of the elite strikers in the world game.

A composed and classy finisher, Eto'o has the ideal combination of pace, power and guile to terrorise any defense.  Aside from his physical attributes Eto'o utilises intelligent movement off the ball to exploit space in between the opposition and remain a constant threat to get in behind the back four.

Any fee for the 30-year-old would likely be a substantial one and his wage requirements would probably not immediately endear him to Arsene Wenger.  But Wenger knows what Eto'o is capable of and has remained a fan of the skillful attacker throughout his career.

The capture of Eto'o along with an aggressive central defender would convince even Arsenal's biggest critics that the Gunners are legitimate contenders for Premier League and Champions League honours.

It's clear that Arsene Wenger is intent on increasing Arsenal's attacking potency.  As much as there is need to solidify the defense, the addition of a 20 goal plus forward to take the pressure off Robin Van Persie, is just as important if Arsenal hope to land the major prizes.