Robin Van Persie Shuns Arsenal: 20 Strikers Gunners Should Sign to Replace Him

So, the worst news that any Arsenal fan could have hoped to hear this summer has finally come to be, and Robin van Persie will not be signing a new deal at the Emirates Stadium.

As I’m sure is common knowledge by now, Van Persie—the player that led Arsenal to third place in the 2011-12 Premier League season—has a contract that is set to expire in July 2013.

What this means is that the club now face the dilemma of whether or not they should sell their captain now and get the highest amount possible or hang onto the Dutchman in the hopes that he might yield just one more season of pure gold.

Should the 28-year-old leave, it will be the second consecutive year in which the Gunners have lost their leader after Cesc Fabregas departed for the greener pastures of Barcelona last summer.

Regardless of whether or not Van Persie finds himself at the Emirates Stadium this season, Arsene Wenger and other executive members of the club will now be drawing up possible recruitments to fill the void that is soon to be quite evident, whether it be now or in a year’s time.

The good thing is that Wenger has taken the pre-emptive strike in signing attackers Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud, leading some to question whether or not RVP’s exit was decided some time ago.

Whatever the case may be, included on this list are the top 20 candidates to replace the irreplaceable Robin van Persie.

Bear in mind, this is a realistic list for Arsenal in terms of spending and “pulling power” and not simply a list of the 20 best strikers in the world.

Klaas-Jan Huntelaar

To kick this countdown off, let’s try and keep things at Arsenal as identical as possible by swapping one Dutchman for another and first looking at Klaas-Jan Huntelaar.

The man whom many—mostly Bundesliga supporters—were arguing should have been handed the starting berth for Netherlands in their Euro 2012 campaign, Huntelaar, like his international compatriot, had an awesome 2011-12 campaign.

The 28-year-old—six days Van Persie’s younger—netted 48 times in 48 appearances for Schalke 04 and was the Bundesliga’s top scorer.

In an eerie case of coincidence, Huntelaar’s contract is also set to run out next year and rather than lose their asset for a nominal fee, the German outfit may opt to cash in on the striker now.

To further fuel the fires of a coming sale, Schalke general manager Horst Heldt recently told of a €20 million release clause in Huntelaar’s contract (reported by talksSPORT).

If the recent revelation is indeed true, then the sale of Van Persie would more than cover the purchase of his Holland squadmate, who has the potential to be just as successful in the English top flight.

Gonzalo Higuain

Despite making just 18 La Liga starts in the 2011-12 campaign, Gonzalo Higuain still managed to score a more-than-respectable tally of 22 goals as well as nine assists.

As a result, one would think that Jose Mourinho is keen to play such a talent as regularly as possible, but this doesn’t appear to be the case.

Amongst the star-studded cast at the Santiago Bernabeu, the Argentine simply can’t string together a considerable amount of playing time and may consider other alternatives this summer.

Given his lack of recent involvement, it’s hard to judge how much Real would want for the 24-year-old, but his standard of play certainly means they can barter, especially given the fact that Higuain has four years left to run on his current deal with the club.

A possible option may be a player-plus-cash transfer with RVP moving in the opposite direction, something a lot of Arsenal fans may be pleased with considering Higuain’s youth.

Ricky Van Wolfswinkel

Another countryman of Van Persie’s, Ricky van Wolfswinkel could prove a difficult acquisition to obtain given current interest from Manchester United, Newcastle and Liverpool.

However, the high amount of monitoring seems justified after the youngster enjoyed his second high scoring season in a row.

The 23-year-old scored 25 goals in 42 starts for Sporting Lisbon in what was his debut season playing in Portugal.

Van Wolfswinkel is currently signed with Sporting CP until 2016 but has always admitted that the Premier League could a “step up” for him in the future. Should Arsenal feel that he fits the bill, North London could be the destination for him.

Salomon Rondon

After impressing during his first two seasons playing at Málaga, Salomon Rondon has been receiving a slew of European attention of late, a good portion of which comes courtesy of the Premier League.

The Venezuelan forward, 22, has netted 25 league goals in the last two seasons combined, finishing the most recent campaign as his club’s top scorer and leading Málaga to a top four finish and Champions League football.

Arsenal will have to stump up an alleged £20 million if they are to lure Rondon to the Premier League (according to the Daily Mail), but the sum could be worth it for a player seven years Van Persie’s younger and showing great potential. 

Daniel Sturridge

For some time now, Daniel Sturridge has been open about his intentions of playing in a more central striking role as opposed to the wide position he’s taken up at Stamford Bridge; Arsenal could be just the team to offer such an opportunity.

The 22-year-old, who could still feature for Team GB at the London 2012 Olympics, is still a valuable starlet despite currently undergoing treatment for meningitis (according to the BBC) and should be back to his best by the time September rolls around.

Arsenal’s wealth in depth on the wings means that central strikers would be what they’re looking for if Robin van Persie does leave this summer, and Sturridge could very well be open to the short move to North London.

What’s more, the youth has just a year left on his contract, meaning the Blues may be just as keen to offload their attacker now while they can still get a fee for his services.

Diego Forlan

After failing to fit in at the San Siro, Inter’s technical director, Marco Branca confirmed earlier this week that Diego Forlan would leave the club this summer (via the Associated Press).

The Uruguayan veteran is reportedly a target for several Brazilian outfits, provided he can terminate the remaining year of his contract in Italy to become a free transfer, terms upon which Arsenal could benefit.

Having already faltered during a first stint in England (at Manchester United), Forlan would certainly be a hefty risk, but given his modest price tag, the forward could be worth the effort should Arsene Wenger motivate him to revive the form seen at Villarreal and Atletico Madrid.

Loïc Rémy

By signing Loïc Rémy, Arsenal would have gotten their hands on an impressive striker while also performing a sound piece of one-upmanship over bitter rivals Tottenham, who are known fans of the Marseille hitman (via Metro).

Rémy managed 22 goals across all competitions last season and given Marseille’s disappointing ninth-place finish, may be tempted to jump ship now rather than stay on at the Stade Vélodrome.

Arsene Wenger has already completed the signing of Ligue 1 star Olivier Giroud, but given the manager’s taste for French talent, he may choose to invest in another compatriot of his, all £20 million of him.

Demba Ba

Demba Ba is likely to court a lot of transfer speculation this summer, and when I say “a lot”, I mean a lot as in the really emphasised, often capitalised version of the term.

A clause supposedly exists in the forward’s contract stipulating that Ba can leave Newcastle United for a fee of £7 million, and not for lack of trying, the club have so far failed to convince their star to pen a new deal, which you can bet wouldn’t include such a foolish piece of small print.

Ba certainly enjoyed a first half to the 2011-12 season, netting 15 goals before January and staking a serious claim on the division’s Golden Boot award.

However, after the arrival of compatriot Papiss Demba Cissé Ba was relegated to a wider role focused more on supply than scoring and, as a result, may consider his options elsewhere, North London being one of them.

The 27-year-old seemed settled at the Sports Direct Arena earlier in the season but may be tempted by the offer of football at Arsenal and is a bargain at £7 million.

Kevin Mirallas

One of the more economical spending options on this list, Kevin Mirallas finally appears ton have found his stride as a striker after scoring 20 goals in Olympiacos’ league campaign last season.

The 24-year-old endured two torrid stints in France’s top flight with Lille and Saint-Etienne but failed to hit the heights expected of him.

With 27 caps for emerging nation, Belgium, Mirallas represents an experienced international striker with the sort of youth that Wenger prefers to work with.

The Gunners boss has already splurged slightly on his attacking recruits this summer, and should he feel like a cheaper option upon Van Persie’s departure, Mirallas could only cost around £10 million.

Burak Yilmaz

Following on from a season in which he averaged more than a goal per game in the Turkish top flight, nobody could blame Arsene Wenger for choosing to take a punt on Burak Yilmaz.

The 26-year-old netted on 32 occasions last campaign despite only playing in 30 matches, a ratio that a lot of managers out there would go to great lengths to bring into their squad.

The Mirror claim that Tottenham and Lazio are amongst the clubs interested in signing Yilmaz, and rather than let this prolific scoring talent go, Arsenal might be smart in going after the forward themselves should they need to do so.

Luuk De Jong

Another Dutchman that travelled to Euro 2012 with Robin van Persie is Luuk de Jong, a player who, after scoring more than 30 goals for FC Twente last season, Steve McClaren isn’t looking to get rid of.

At 21 years old, De Jong has a far healthier shelf-life than RVP and boasts the kind of age necessary for Wenger to work his youth moulding magic.

What’s more, the forward would supposedly cost something closer to £15 million (according to The Sun) than the £20 million that Van Persie would supposedly go for, while keeping the Dutch bloodline at the Emirates Stadium well and truly alive.

Thomas Müller

Reports have emerged linking Thomas Müller, who featured in a full 90-minute game on just 18 occasions last season, with a move away from his beloved Bayern Munich.

The 22-year-old still played a heavy part in Die Bayern’s campaign, however, and would be expected to cost about £20 million should any side convince the German giants into selling.

Müller managed seven goals and 13 assists in the 2011-12 Bundesliga season, and while he wouldn’t be a direct replacement for Van Persie, his arrival on the wings could give other Arsenal attackers the chance to play more centrally.

Edin Džeko

With first-team opportunities proving difficult to come by at the Etihad Stadium, it’s very possible that Edin Džeko may find himself on the move once again this summer, regardless of the fact that Roberto Mancini claims otherwise.

The Bosnia and Herzegovina international is competing with Sergio Aguero, Carlos Tevez, Mario Balotelli and now Emmanuel Adebayor for a starting berth.

With such a level of competition at the club, Džeko could request a move away in order to find a place amongst a starting XI, and while City would undoubtedly rather sell to a club not in direct competition with them, a move to North London could be on the cards.

Despite falling out of favour with the Premier League title-holders, Džeko is still a supreme talent on his day, evidence of which can be seen in his four-goal haul versus Tottenham last season.

Stevan Jovetić

Stevan Jovetić’s days at Fiorentina appear to be numbered after the club’s communications director, Gianfranco Teotino, admitted that they would allow the youngster to leave if he wished to do so, but only for the right fee (via Goal.com).

Speaking to the Italian press, Teotino stated: “If he wants to leave, then let's make it clear that we do not want to hold anyone against their will. If he believes in the team, then he can wear the club's shirt for a long time. If he does not, then he will not be missed.

Teotino added: “In any case, it is important that there is an offer which matches his value."

That “value” is supposedly thought to be £25 million but given the maturity and skill that the Montenegrin is displaying the age of just 22, he certainly has the potential to be worth it.

Chelsea are also thought to be interested in Jovetić's services.

Alexandre Pato

Looking at the speculation that was widely reported during the Christmas period of the 2011-12 season, all did not appear to be well for Alexandre Pato at AC Milan.

Between injuries and allegedly falling out with manager, Massimiliano Allegri, the Brazilian managed just seven Serie A starts last campaign, scoring seven goals.

The 22-year-old could therefore be understandably eager to leave the San Siro this summer, and depending on how much the Milanese club want to sell, Pato could be available for as little as £20 million.

Despite his recent failings, the youngster has shown in past seasons just how talented he can be, and if Arsene Wenger were to maximise Pato’s potential, he would have on his hands a raw and limitless power.

Giuseppe Rossi

With Villarreal relegated at the end of last season, Giuseppe Rossi is nearly certain to leave the club this summer regardless of the fact that his contract runs until 2016.

The 25-year-old had a fairly unremarkable stint in England in his younger days, playing for Manchester United and also Newcastle United, but he may consider a return now that he has grown into a coveted attacking talent.

The Italian international is unfortunately set to be sidelined until late 2012/early 2013 following the re-injuring of his ACL.

While this may make Rossi a massive risk, Villarreal’s relegation means that the forward may be available for a highly reduced fee and therefore worth the outlay.

Leandro Damião

Another target for North London rivals Spurs, Leandro Damiao has long been associated with a move to the English top flight.

The Internacional striker has been tipped by some to assume the title of “the new Ronaldo”—not least of whom is the man himself (the chubby one, that is)—and should Robin van Persie leave the Emirates Stadium, Damiao would be a solid replacement.

At 22, the forward has already racked up nine appearances for the Brazilian national team and scored six goals in ten appearances for his club during their Copa Libertadores run.

Tottenham have reportedly had a £14 million bid for Damiao’s services rejected by Internacional (via Metro), but with the money that the Gunners would receive from RVP’s sale, the youngster is definitely a realistic reinforcement.

Robert Lewandowski

Borussia Dortmund’s retaining of the Bundesliga title, as well as their DFB Pokal victory in 2012, were great coups for the club, both of which were owed in great part to the form of Robert Lewandowski.

The Polish poacher managed 30 goals across all competitions for the Yellow and Blacks last season, leading Manchester United to become linked with the forward (according to the Daily Mail) and presenting Arsenal with prospective competition should they wish to challenge for the player’s signature.

Lewandowski is perhaps the most like-for-like RVP replacement on this list: tall and capable of operating up front alone but also likely to produce a moment of sheer majesty on occasion.

For £20 million, Dortmund’s frontman could find himself teaming up with Olivier Giroud next season.

Dimitar Berbatov

There’s no arguing that Dimitar Berbatov isn’t getting any younger at 31 years old, but if the likes of Xavi and Andrea Pirlo proved anything at Euro 2012, it was that there most certainly is life after 30.

Playing little to no role at Old Trafford last season, the Bulgarian is supposedly available for transfer, and were there not such a wealth of striking talent at Manchester United, Berbatov may have found himself scoring a lot more goals in 2011-12.

The 2010-11 Premier League joint Golden Boot winner certainly has the ability for miraculous attacking displays when handed the chance and should they see the value, Arsenal may be the ones to offer such a chance.

Having already had one successful stint in the region, Berbatov may be open to the idea of playing for the other half of the North London derby in the near future. 

Matías Suárez

A striker that has been fervently linked with Arsenal over the past year, Matias Suarez is a very plausible option for Arsene Wenger and his team this summer.

The Argentine scored an impressive 19 goals in just over 40 starts for Anderlecht last season, but what is perhaps more impressive is his record of a staggering 23 assists.

Accustomed to playing as a centre forward or as an out and out frontman, Suarez is a versatile forward and one that would reportedly cost something in the region of £12 million.

As far as popularity goes, the 24-year-old isn’t quite a household name, but with Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud on either side of him, who knows how well-known Matias Suarez may be this time next year.

All scoring and contract statistics provided courtesy of WhoScored.com and Transfermarket.com.