Arsenal Transfer News: Lukas Podolski and Forwards Arsene Wenger Must Target

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger must target German forward Lukas Podolski to help strengthen the Gunners' attack in 2012, with the club still alive in three trophy races.

With forwards Marouane Chamakh and Gervinho leaving the Emirates in January to participate in the Africa Cup of Nations, Wenger's attacking depth will need reinforcements.

With the news that club legend Thierry Henry will return for a two-month loan, the fans are extremely excited. However, Henry will not be the dominating player he once was, and Arsenal need to buy players who will help the club now and well into the future during next month's transfer window.

Let's look at three forwards Wenger must target to help end the Gunners' trophy drought.

1) Alexandre Pato

The Brazilian forward has not been playing as much as he would like in recent weeks at AC Milan, and it's possible Arsenal could look at the 22-year-old forward as a future star at the Emirates.

Pato has scored 60 goals in 137 appearances for Milan, and he has exceptional pace and skill in front of goal.

With Wenger's history of not spending huge amounts of money for top players, it's unlikely Pato makes a move to Arsenal in January. However, he is a world-class talent who has yet to reach his potential in Italy.

If Robin van Persie's contract situation doesn't progress well, then maybe Pato is a real target of the Gunners during the summer.

2) Loic Remy

The Marseille and France striker is a fabulous attacking talent that Arsenal must purchase sooner rather than later.

A move to the Emirates for Remy would likely not cost more than £15 million, making the possible transfer a smart decision for the club.

Remy has tremendous speed and great goal-scoring ability. He has proven himself both at the club and national team levels. Remy has also played well in Champions League play for the Ligue 1 side.

Remy would have little trouble stepping into the Gunners squad and performing at a high level. At age 24, the Frenchman would excel at Arsenal for many years and would flourish in the Premier League.

3) Lukas Podolski

The FC Cologne forward is a strong player who can score goals and is a proven star at the club and international levels.

Podolski has excelled for Germany on the national stage, including the 2010 World Cup, and would be a solid fit with the Gunners.

German international teammate and Arsenal center back Per Mertesacker thinks Podolski would be a fine addition to the club, and has no doubt talked with him recently.

Via the Metro:

"

‘Of course I’ve been on the phone to him. He is a powerful, great player, especially for the national team,’ added Mertesacker.

'He has scored a lot of goals, is a good striker with a very good finish. His left foot is unbelievable, and I am a fan of him.'

"

With Arsenal having few players who can score goals on a consistent basis other than Robin van Persie, Wenger must look to buy a forward who can score goals against even the best opponents, and Podolski is certainly a player who can do that.

 

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