Arsenal Transfer News: Gunners Must Chase Winter Deal for Andre-Pierre Gignac

The summer addition of Danny Welbeck has gone a long way in solving Arsenal's striker issues in the absence of Olivier Giroud, but a January deal for Andre-Pierre Gignac stands to be the next logical move in Arsene Wenger's recruitment.

French newspaper L'Equipe (h/t London Evening Standard) quotes French agent Christophe Hutteau in saying one of north London or Liverpool would make a fine destination for the Marseille frontman:

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Given the fact that he is not very old, he has a real market value. This is a striker with a relatively atypical profile, responsive to the physical challenge, the archetypal player who can succeed at a big club. He can play in England, Arsenal or Liverpool, no problem. For me, it is between €12 million (£9.5m) and €15 million (£11m).

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It should be pointed out that contrary to the report, however, Hutteau is not Gignac's agent, merely a high-ranking representative in French football who may have an insight into the player's dealings.

That's according to Goal.com's Robin Bairner, who sheds some light on the story:

Nevertheless, the prices mentioned are within the Gunners' reach if their recent activity in the transfer market is anything to go by, and even with Welbeck's acquisition, another elite option up front would be appreciated.

In terms of style, Gignac offers a similar prospect to that which Giroud offers and would be able to slip into Wenger's line-up with relative ease, providing good competition to those already at the Emirates Stadium.

Claude Paris/Associated Press

Whether or not Marcelo Bielsa would be so willing to give up the talents of his leading man is another matter entirely, though.

Gignac has started his 2014-15 campaign brightly, scoring eight goals in eight Ligue 1 appearances, per WhoScored.com, including three braces. Broadcaster Paul Sarahs hints that the Premier League would be another step up in his requirements, though:

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@owen_g Gignac's been great in a good league, Costa has been spectacular in a great league. Nod to Gekas and Depay too.

— Paul Sarahs (@PaulSarahs) September 30, 2014"

It's no secret that Wenger holds an affinity for his countrymen, and Giroud is turning into a fine French recruit in his own right, having initially struggled in the English top flight.

However, Gignac is by no means afraid of the physical nature of things, and his approach of hold-up play spliced with a poacher's characteristics could go down as a similar success.

Paul Gilham/Getty Images

One can certainly argue Arsenal's priorities lie elsewhere, especially with injuries to Aaron Ramsey, Jack Wilshere and Mikel Arteta causing something of a crisis in central midfield.

However, with an opportunity to improve the forward ranks further, the Gunners shouldn't pass on the opportunity to add new depth up top, and Gignac would be a prime option.