Arsenal have signaled their intent in the transfer market this summer by making big-money moves for some of Europe's leading marksmen.
They were reported to be close to sealing a deal for Real Madrid's Gonzalo Higuain, before he opted to move to Napoli.
The Gunners are now strongly pursuing their interest in Liverpool striker Luis Suarez, but they have been rebuffed after making an offer in excess of £40m.
Below, Sports Mole assesses who manager Arsene Wenger could move for if he is unsuccessful with his bid for the Liverpool frontman.
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It has been widely speculated that Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney is angling for a move away from Old Trafford this summer if he is not regarded as a first-choice pick by new boss David Moyes.
That has resulted in the England international being linked with a selection of Europe's top clubs, with Chelsea confirming that they have made a firm offer for the 27-year-old.
However, the Blues have seen their bid rejected by United, and that could let in Arsenal if they cannot tempt Liverpool to sell Suarez.
Wenger reportedly has a war-chest of around £100m and he would have little hesitation in spending that on Rooney should he receive encouragement from United.
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It has been reported that Valencia striker Roberto Soldado has a release clause of just over £25m, which has seen Tottenham Hotspur linked with his signature.
However, Spurs appear to be less than enthusiastic about paying in excess of £20m for the Spaniard, and Wenger could ignite an interest in the frontman should the club's North London rivals fail to act.
It's a possibility that Wenger could be against paying so much for a 28-year-old who hasn't played in England, but Soldado would more than likely bring goals to the Gunners.
He has netted 59 goals in La Liga over three seasons for a team whose stock has dropped in Spain, and if he hits the ground running in the Premier League, he could prove to be the signing of the summer.
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After the arrival of Stevan Jovetic and Alvaro Negredo at Manchester City, Edin Dzeko could find his chances limited at the Etihad Stadium.
When you add Sergio Aguero into the mix, the Bosnian international is likely to be regarded as the fourth-choice striker at the club.
After a mixed campaign last season, that is unlikely to sit well with the 27-year-old, and he could indicate to club officials that he wishes to move on.
It would be debatable whether a player of Dzeko's style would fit in at the Emirates Stadium, but his goal return is something that could attract Wenger to the former Wolfsburg man.
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Ever since Jose Mourinho returned to Chelsea, the future of Fernando Torres has remained unclear.
There have been contrasting reports as to whether Torres will be part of Mourinho's plans next season after scoring just 15 goals in his last 82 Premier League outings.
The Spanish striker has a long-term deal, but he could be allowed to leave the club if a significant offer is made for his services.
Earlier this summer, Arsenal were linked with the 29-year-old, and despite their interest cooling in recent weeks, it is not impossible that Wenger could explore this avenue before the end of the transfer window.
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Newcastle United striker Papiss Cisse has recently been in the news regarding his unhappiness over the club's shirt sponsors.
It has been suggested that he may refuse to play for the club if a solution cannot be found, throwing up the possibility that the Senegal international could move leave the Magpies.
The 28-year-old has netted 21 times in 50 matches for Newcastle, and that is a strike rate that could tempt Wenger into enquiring about Cisse's availability.
He has proven to be a match-winner on his day, and if he can be landed for around £10m, that could be enough for Wenger to take Cisse to the Emirates Stadium.
Darren Plant
