Three striker targets for Arsenal with Ivan Toney likely to stay at Brentford

Arsenal are on the hunt for a new striker this month as they look to improve their chances of competing for the Premier League title in the back end of the season.

Brenford star Ivan Toney has been constantly linked with a move to north London, but a deal could be difficult to pull off with manager Thomas Frank determined to keep him.

The Bees find themselves in a relegation tussle in the top-flight and they may want Toney’s services after his betting ban. He could return against Nottingham Forest this month.

It was previously reported that it would take a package of £80 million to persuade the Bees into selling him, but we won’t be surprised if they increase the valuation to £100m.

It is unlikely that the Gunners will make such a huge outlay with Financial Fair Play concerns and here are three alternatives that the club could pursue in the current transfer window.

Serhou Guirassy – Stuttgart

The Guinean star has been in the form of his life for Stuttgart with 19 goals from just 16 appearances this term. His contributions have helped them jump to third in the Bundesliga.

Despite this, there is no guarantee that he will be at the club next month, considering there is a low release clause of £15 million which is currently active in his contract.

Guirassy would ideally want to join a bigger team before travelling to the African Cup of Nations. Arsenal will need to move fast to land his services ahead of European rivals.

Dominic Solanke – Bournemouth

The former Liverpool man has started to hit his stride in the Premier League. He is currently the joint-third highest scorer in the top-flight this season with 12 goals from as many games.

The Bournemouth striker has an impressive goal conversion of 24 per cent in the Premier League and has also impressed with his anchor play and aerial presence in the box.

In current form, Solanke is likely to cost a premium fee for the Gunners. They may have to pay at least £50m to persuade the Cherries into parting ways with their prized asset.

Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting – Bayern Munich

The former Stoke City man netted 17 goals for the German champions last season, but has just three to his name this term, having become the third-choice striker behind Harry Kane and Mathys Tel.

The Cameroonian is prepared to pursue a new challenge this month. The 34-year-old could be available for a nominal fee, considering his contract expires at the end of June.

He could be signed as a last resort by the Gunners. Choupo-Moting could be a realistic target if they are eyeing a towering aerial presence to make an impact off the bench.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & BBC Sport