Arsenal: 6 Possible Transfer Replacements If Robin Van Persie Leaves

After Cesc Fábregas left the Gunners earlier this year, Arsene Wenger gave the captain's armband to Robin van Persie. In the process, the striker rose to become a talismanic figure at the Emirates and netted his 100th goal for the club last week.

But now, reports that he might leave Arsenal at the end of the season have fans scratching their heads and speculating. 

Although van Persie is irreplaceable, here are six possible suggestions should he go in January. This list isn't just about finding a new talented striker who can replace RVP in terms of goal-scoring, but also finding a new talisman, a leader who can serve to boost those around him. 

Transfers are not the only place the Gunners should look for the new van Persie: they've still got leaders on the pitch in Thomas Vermaelen, hard-working Bacary Sagna and Tomas Rosicky who could all wear the armband well.

And the Gunners have a handful of talented youngsters who can take the reins with more experience and refining: 18-year-old Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain impressed in Arsenal's victory over Olympiacos, and as soon as he's fully fit again, Jack Wilshere will make his way up the ranks.

But until the young guns are ready, here are some ideas from outside. If there's anyone in particular you'd like to see replace RVP if he leaves Arsenal, tell us in the comments. 

Paco Alcácer

The 18-year-old Valencia striker has become a hot commodity for January after a string of stellar, prolific performances for Valencia B and some signs of promise at La Mestalla, among them a great debut goal in Los Che's 3-0 victory in a friendly with AS Roma.

Liverpool, Arsenal and Barcelona are among the clubs that have reportedly expressed interest in bringing him on, but Valencia may not be fully ready to let him go.

If they are, Alcácer is a talented young striker who could bring energy and plenty of goals to the Emirates. He may not have the experience or the leadership of a van Persie (yet), but he has potential.

With much of his career still left to play, he could easily adapt to the Premiership and grow into a leadership role down the road.

Papiss Demba Cissé

The SC Freiburg star hasn't been on the Gunners' radar for a while, but if he is able to leave the Bundesliga side in January, Arsene Wenger may want to reconsider making a move for him. 

Also a target of Newcastle United and Sunderland, Cissé's efficiency, precision and talismanic quality have made him more than a fan favorite at Freiburg—the city awarded him with the Sportsman of the Year award in 2010.

He's been an offensive leader at the club for more than just goal scoring, and—playing off the versatile, innovative midfield led by Mikel Arteta—he could continue his prolific goal-scoring streak at Arsenal in van Persie's stead.

Vágner Love

The CSKA Moscow striker has emerged as a new possible prospect for Arsenal for January. And now that Love has been told he can leave CSKA in January, he'll look for a new pitch on which to flex his muscles.

Experienced and prolific (he once scored four goals in one match), Love wants to continue to play in Europe, and based on his recent performances in the Champions League (including a recent match where he scored a great goal in CSKA's 3-2 fall to Inter Milan), he'd be an asset to an Arsenal side looking to do the same.

He's had some inconsistencies as of late, but he still has an impressive goal-scoring record and is a solid striker who would do well to lead the attacking force at the Emirates if Robin van Persie departs. 

Kaká

Two Real Madrid strikers were rumored to be on Arsenal's radar for the summer transfer window, but with Karim Benzema enjoying regular success and first-team status at Bernabéu and Gonzalo Higuaín seeing a resurgence, a move for either seems rather unlikely, although either would also be a boost to the Gunners with the loss of van Persie.

Esteban Granero has been the subject of discussion, too. 

Another star from Los Merengues who has been the subject of rumors about a move to the Emirates is Brazilian magic man Kaká, for whom it is rumored Arsene Wenger will battle Paris Saint-Germain in January. Wenger reportedly tried to bring in the midfielder on a loan move in August, but Real Madrid rejected the proposal.

Kaká struggled to find his footing at Real Madrid initially due to injury, but he's experiencing a resurgence with the start of this season, linking up better with Mesut Özil. He has two goals and two assists so far for José Mourinho's side.

This strong start could mean a reluctance on the part of Real to let him go, but if Arsenal decides to make a move for Kaká, he could be the headliner Arsenal had been looking for in the last transfer window—he's got finesse, creativity and goals to his name.

He could be a force if he links up with Mikel Arteta, and—based on recent performances and his experiences in La Liga and Serie A—he could be especially helpful if the Gunners want to continue to raise their profile in Europe.

Michael Owen

This may seem like a longshot, to be sure, and Owen would be seen more likely as a temporary solution given the fact that he's 31 and may not have many seasons left, but the truth is, the Manchester United striker is still fit and he's still really, really good. 

Forward-thinking, experienced and a solid goal-scorer, Owen turned heads in his first start for United this season when he gave a stunner performance, scoring two goals in a Carling Cup victory over Leeds United.

He has a great work ethic and makes the most of his appearances, and that kind of attitude could really lift the Gunners after an emotional rollercoaster start to the season.

Arsenal is reportedly looking to make a £1 million bid for Owen in January, and if he keeps playing like this, he'll be the striking force the Gunners need in their arsenal (see what I did there?) and give them quite the return on their investment. 

Gary Cahill

You probably saw this one coming.

A striker Gary Cahill certainly isn't, but a talisman he is, and a leader he could be.

The Bolton Wanderers defender has become one of the most sought-after transfer targets for January for his strength, with Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal all set to try to win him over this winter (Chelsea is emerging as a frontrunner).

But January is a long way away, and Cahill could end up at the Emirates. The Gunners aren't exactly short on centre backs with Thomas Vermaelen and newcomer Per Mertesacker, but Vermaelen's versatility allows him to play left-back if necessary. With a speedy Bacary Sagna at right-back, Cahill could be a formidable addition to Arsenal's back four.

But what Cahill can offer in addition to his consistency as a defender is strength, commitment and a position as a leader on the pitch, a role that will be beneficial in the possible absence of van Persie.