ArsenalFC

Arsenal have been linked with a move for most of Europe's top strikers in the January transfer window, but Ruud van Nistelrooy will not be joining, according to manager Arsene Wenger.

Thanks to Robin van Persie's ankle injury, the north Londoners are looking for cover up front, but former Manchester United goal scorer Van Nistelrooy won't be donning the red of Arsenal any time soon.

Wenger told the Daily Mirror: "It would not be the best of starts, bearing in mind our past relationship! You have my number - you can text me all the names you find!"

Since Van Persie injured his ankle playing for Holland on November 14, Wenger has been linked with numerous forwards, including Wolfsburg's Edin Dzeko, Toulouse striker Andre-Pierre Gignac and Bordeaux's Marouane Chamakh.

His attacking options are further limited thanks to injuries to Eduardo and Nicklas Bendtner.

Wenger said: “We’re at the beginning of December, if we are in the same situation with injuries in January then I will see.

“But we can’t dream too much of finding a world class player because that’s what is needed to strengthen our team.

“But they also need not to be European cup-tied and who is also free so we must hope Father Christmas is good to us!“

supergooner wrote:baik dia beli aku .

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is reportedly keeping a close eye on Valencia forward David Villa as well VfL Wolfsburg striker Edin Dzeko as he looks to strengthen the Gunners' striking options in January.

The Daily Mirror reports that Dzeko was watched by Arsenal scouts in the Champions League against Manchester United last week, whilst Villa has been on Wenger's radar for some time.

West Ham United striker Carlton Cole is also apparently on the Frenchman's hit list.

Villa has been linked with moves to England on a regular basis, though Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid are also believed to be interested in acquiring his services.

Wolfsburg are now out of the Champions League and may well decide to cash in on Dzeko, 23, as Wenger looks to compensate for the loss of Robin van Persie for much of the rest of the season due to an ankle injury.

Goal.com UK

English Premier League side Arsenal could be set to make a move for Real Madrid star Rafael van der Vaart, according to reports.

The Dutch midfielder has been on the periphery of the first team this season after a public difference of opinion with coach Manuel Pellegrini.

The News of the World comments that the former Hamburg star is ready to rejuvenate his career in London, with the Gunners ready to make a substantial bid.

A product of the Ajax youth set-up, the 26-year old is willing to take a drop in wages in order to guarantee first-team football, and with doubts over the fitness of both Tomas Rosicky and Theo Walcott, coach Arsene Wenger may see the Dutchman as a long term solution.

Van der Vaart moved to the Bernabeu in 2008 but struggled to maintain a first-team slot, and after the purchase of Brazilian midfielder Kaka in the summer he fell further down the pecking order.

Wenger is thought to be a long-term admirer, and if the deal suits both sides van der Vaart will be willing to swap Madrid for Ashburton Grove.

Paul Macdonald, Goal.com

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