Replicating the exploits of a striker of Robin van Persie's quality was never going to be an easy feat. The Dutchman netted an astonishing 37 times for Arsenal last season, with his goals vital to the Gunners third place finish in the Premiership.
While manager Arsene Wenger brought in Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud to counteract the loss of the 29-year-old, a return of 19 goals in all competitions between the duo is evident that the Frenchman is yet to fully replace the now Manchester United star, and it's beginning to show this season.
As a result, Arsenal have been strongly linked with a move for another striker before the close of the January transfer window, regardless of the need to strengthen the defence and midfield. One of those is Napoli star man Edinson Cavani.
The Uruguayan is again showcasing his remarkable talents to the watching world, having netted 16 goals in Serie A this year as the Partenopei find themselves in third in the league, five points behind pace setters and defending Scudetto champions Juventus.
Having scored 91 times in 118 appearances in all competitions for Napoli since his arrival from Palermo in 2010, interest across the continent is understandably high. Chelsea and Manchester City have been credited with an interest in the past, but it's the north London said that are the latest to have been linked with a move for the 25-year-old.
Wenger said on Thursday:
“Cavani is a player that I like, What is for sure is that he costs a lot of money.”
He couldn't be closer to the truth, with Serie A expert James Horncastle tweeting moments later:
“Cavani signed new contract until 2017 in the summer. Buy-out clause worth €60m included. (Napoli president, Aurelio) De Laurentiis in no need to sell.[sic]”
While the Gunners may have the funds to spend on players during January, it is unlikely that Wenger will part with such an extortionate amount of money, especially with more pressing areas on the pitch to address, most notably bringing in a player to cover for Mikel Arteta, who is ruled out for the next three weeks with a calf strain.
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