We began the summer (11 days ago) with high hopes of signing a ‘top-level’ striker to replace Robin Van Persie.

Our ears were filled with sweet noises of Stevan Jovetic and Gonzalo Higuain. Even Wayne Rooney was a possibility.

However, just over a week later, people are beginning to lose their minds.

Jovetic and Higuain appear set to move to Juventus, who have decided to hoard strikers just to annoy us. Rooney is still possible, but a faint dream.

Falcao, Cavani, Lewandowski, all wooed by clubs far richer than Arsenal. The striking situation looks bleak.

But people needn’t be disheartened. Already the club is being attacked for a lack of ambition. How can one show ambition when your targets are being offered twice what you can?

What’s to say Arsenal haven’t been trying to sign these players? Lewandowski was certainly a target, though Munich have now snared him.

But it seems we must look to the level below, a riskier level but one that can be just as rewarding. There are players available that would improve Arsenal, they wouldn’t bring tears of joy but could have a great effect.

I compiled a three-player shortlist based on people’s opinions of them, and what I’ve seen for myself:

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

The Gabonese striker was the second-top scorer in Ligue 1 and is highly-rated for his pace and power.

Came though the Milan youth system and is currently being chased by the likes of PSG. Newcastle were also interested but will find him beyond them.

St-Etienne don’t really want to sell him but have accepted a bid of around £15m could see him move. Not world class, but he could be.

Luis Muriel

One of two Colombians on the list, the Udinese forward is showing signs of becoming a deadly forward at the age of just 22.

He’s got pace to burn and scored 11 goals in his first full season with the club. He’s said he’d like to remain at Udinese for a few more years, but if Arsenal came calling with intent he’d find it hard to say no.

Another one for the future, but he could have an Henry-like impact.

Jackson Martinez

A very, very, long shot, but the Colombian hitman has been a revelation for Porto this year.

They’re demanding big money, which they could get from the right team, but Martinez appears to be flying under the radar for most. 33 goals in 38 appearances isn’t to be sniffed at, and this is his first season in Europe.

He could be a one-season wonder, and it is interesting as to why he didn’t move to Porto until the age of 25, but he’d be worth the punt of all punts. Unlikely, however.

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