Strength in depth isn't a quality many Arsenal teams of late have enjoyed and has been partly responsible for a number of trophy challenges falling away.

However, this season has seen the culmination of more purchasing and a good crop of youth, with around 10 first-team capable midfielders and 7-8 defenders.

With that said, what has raised concern is the seeming lack of depth up front, and to be specific, in the centre forward or 'striker' role. Of Arsenal's forwards, only Olivier Giroud can truly be called a pure striker, and even he is perfectly keen to drop deeper and bring others into play.

This of course has left many Gooners worried about how Arsenal would cope if the handsome Frenchman was injured, similar to the RVP situation last year. However, Arsenal don't necessarily need to look to the transfer market just yet.

Within the squad is a hidden wealth and variety of striking talent. (Though if they wanted to go out and buy Falcao that would be lovely. Sure he'd only cost a fiver and a can of pop. Maybe chuck Chamakh in while you're at it).

Olivier Giroud

First up is our 'striker'. Tall, powerful, good in the air, but with a light touch and predatory instincts, Giroud has everything you'd want in a striker. He'll be full of confidence having scored his first PL goal against West Ham and will likely be a fixture in the side for a while, as Arsenal have looked a far stronger prospect with him in the side.

Lukas Podolski

A lot of us thought Podolski was being signed as a striker when the news broke in April, but he's seen himself plying his trade on the left wing so far. With that said, he did turn out once through the middle against Sunderland and he often drifts into central positions anyway.

The German is a finisher of, well, German efficiency and was very much a striker in his early days at Cologne and with Germany, though he's more effective behind another striker in a 4-4-2. He's still very much a viable option however, and I feel his performance against Sunderland wasn't connected to his true abilities in the middle.

Gervinho

One of the revelations of this season has been the birth of some kind of vague end product from Gervinho. With 5 goals already this season he is our top scorer and has more than doubled his total Arsenal goals.

This is largely down to his move from the wings into a 'false 9' centre forward position, which gives him the freedom to roam the attacking line and return to his usual wing position, while taking advantage of his jinking movement to get into scoring positions.

While he's not the best focal point it clearly works, and if Giroud is injured or out of form the Ivorian can return to his role of earlier this season.

Theo Walcott

Now I'm not a fan of playing Theo in a central role like he wants, but there's no doubt he can finish, and if he learns how to use his pace and movement to his advantage I see no reason why he couldn't make a splash at CF.

My problem is he lacks any real physical presence and could be easily swamped by opposing centre backs, unless he plays with a partner which is unlikely. That said, and this isn't to compare the two, Lionel Messi isn't the biggest chap and he does a decent job. As I said though, no comparison.

See? Without including the likes of Chuba Akpom, Joel Campbell and Benik Afobe Arsenal have four very different but viable options at centre forward. Who else has four very different strikers? Oh yeah, Manchester City!

Speak your brains

What do you think? Are these decent centre forward options? Who else could be included? Who could Arsenal bring in to 'plug the gap', so to speak? Let us know in the comments below.

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