Arsenal: 4 Strikers Targeted by the Gunners for the January Transfer Window

Robin van Persie is playing as well as any striker in world football at the moment.  But the more valuable he becomes to Arsenal, the more Gunners fans worry about what would happen if another long-term injury struck their captain.

Marouane Chamakh has done nothing this season to suggest that the slump in form he suffered during the second-half of his debut campaign was a mere fluke.

Park Chu Young netted a beautiful winner against Bolton in the Carling Cup, but Gunners fans have yet to see how he will cope in the league, against tougher opposition.

With the January transfer window looming, many have speculated that Arsene Wenger will look to reinforce his strike options and provide some quality cover for van Persie and ease the goalscoring burden on the Dutchman.

Here are four strikers who have been linked with a move to the Gunners this winter.

4. Salomon Rondon, Malaga

The 22-year-old Venezuelan hotshot continues to be linked with a move to North London. 

Insidefutbol.com recently suggested that Wenger retains an interest in the fleet-footed youngster.

Rondon is finding it difficult to gain regular access to the first team at Malaga. 

The South American starlet is often forgotten in favour of big-name veteran forwards like Ruud van Nistelrooy and Julio Baptista.

Wenger could look to take advantage of Rondon's lack of opportunities and lure the promising prospect to the Premier League.

3. Stevan Jovetic, Fiorentina

The Daily Mail recently reported that classy Montenegro international Stevan Jovetic remains a top transfer target for Arsene Wenger.

The report suggests that the Fiorentina star could command a fee as high as £20 million. 

But at 21, Jovetic is the right age and has the technique and flair to be a huge success at Arsenal.

A quick-thinking forward blessed with great touch and close control, Jovetic would fit seamlessly into Arsenal's fluid style of football.

He is capable of playing through the middle or just off a central striker.  Jovetic also has the intelligence to operate effectively from the wide areas in a mobile front three.

The youngster has all the attributes to become the type of player Andrey Arshavin should be for Arsenal.

2. Luca Toni, Juventus

Givemefootball.com reported that ageing Serie A ace Luca Toni could emerge as a shock winter transfer target for the Gunners.

The 34-year-old Italian veteran may seem like a highly unlikely target for Arsenal, given Wenger's traditional reliance on youth.

But a move for the out-of-favour Juventus frontman could actually have a lot of merit.  Toni has been a prolific striker throughout his career.

He has the size and style to pose a different threat for Arsenal and provide them with a valuable aerial outlet against teams who are squeezing the midfield and clogging the short passing lanes.

As a deputy to van Persie, Toni would be useful.  He could spell the Arsenal captain and has the experience and temperament to be a valuable contributor if needed.

1. Roman Pavlyuchenko, Tottenham Hotspur

Disgruntled Russian striker Roman Pavlyuchencko continues to be frustrated by his lack of first-team opportunities with Tottenham Hotspur and recently proceeded to tout himself around to every Premier League club in London.

Metro picked up the story, where Pavlyuchenko refuses to rule out a move to Arsenal. 

The 29-year-old has the talent to succeed in the Premier League.

He is mobile, good in the air and utilises a powerful shot and intelligent movement.  The question mark with Pavlyuchenko always concerns his temperament.

He could thrive in Arsenal's tactical structure and relish being reunited with Andrey Arshavin.  But a move from Tottenham to Arsenal in January seems unlikely.

If Wenger opted to firm up his interest, it's difficult to imagine the Gunners boss offering anything more than a merely nominal fee. 

Arsenal fans will remain hopeful that Robin van Persie can remain fit for the majority of the season.  With Chamkah possibly participating in the Africa Cup of Nations, Park will need to quickly prove his first-team credentials.

Signing a quality frontman in January could give Arsenal enough strength in depth to to still achieve positive results when the games begin to mount up and the squad's resources become stretched.