• Football

Wenger lines up Chicharito swoop

Arsene Wenger is preparing to raid Premier League rivals Manchester United for Javier Hernandez in January to boost Arsenal's title credentials.

Arsenal sit top of the Premier League and look like genuine contenders for the first time in years but face concerns about their lack of squad depth, most notably up front - with in-form Olivier Giroud their only viable striking option.

But with the possibility of suspension or injury, with Giroud already nearing burnout after starting in every one of Arsenal's Premier League and Champions League games, and Nicklas Bendtner a continuing source of frustration for Gunners fans, Wenger is under no illusions of the importance of signing another recognised goal scorer this summer.

Wenger believes Hernandez is a realistic option for Arsenal as the Mexican international has hinted at his frustration at his limited playing time at Old Trafford behind Robin Van Persie, Wayne Rooney and Danny Welbeck.

Failed summer target Luis Suarez remains high on Wenger's wish list but Hernandez is seen as a viable alternative to the Uruguayan, but a loan switch for Juventus striker Fernando Llorente is also on the cards if United adopt the same approach as they did with Arsenal's bid for Rooney.

On-loan Monaco right-back Fabinho is also being watched closely by the Gunners as his impressive Ligue 1 campaign continues to convince Wenger that he can be a viable long-term alternative to Bacary Sagna.

Arsenal are also keeping tab on Brazil wunderkind Boschilia and Nathan - who have scored 11 goals between them during the Under-17 World Cup.

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