Arsenal fear that striker Olivier Giroud will be out with an ankle injury until the new year, leaving manager Arsène Wenger preparing a move for Manchester United’s Danny Welbeck in the final few days of the transfer window.
Giroud was last night undergoing tests on a suspected broken ankle sustained in the 2-2 draw at Everton on Saturday, but Arsenal are braced for the worst, which would rule out their main centre-forward for the rest of the year.
Wenger was coy at yesterday’s pre-match press conference for the Champions League qualifier at home to Besiktas tonight and said he was waiting for “further investigation” of Giroud’s injury to his tibia, adding that he was “not in the mode to be [talking] about buying or selling”. However, it is now almost inconceivable that Arsenal will not seek reinforcements before the transfer window closes on Monday night.
Arsenal have a long-standing interest in Welbeck, whom Louis van Gaal would be willing to part with. Welbeck would be open to joining but United are very reluctant to sell him to a main rival, especially after Arsenal blocked their move for Thomas Vermaelen. They would therefore demand up to £16m for the 23-year-old England international. Arsenal’s current valuation is thought to be closer to £12m.
Queen’s Park Rangers striker Loïc Rémy would be far cheaper, as he has an £8.5m release clause in his contract to move to a Champions League club, but Wenger has considered signing the France striker in the past and is thought to have reservations about him. Rémy nearly joined Liverpool last month but the move fell through amid claims he failed a medical, though the 27-year-old has started both of QPR’s Premier League games this season.

http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/transfers/arsenal-transfer-news-danny-welbeck-in-arsenals-sights-with-olivier-giroud-set-to-be-out-until-2015-9692695.html

Arsenal targets: Four who may replace Giroud
1. Loïc Rémy
Rémy has impressed in spells at Queen’s Park Rangers and Newcastle United, showing real pace in behind defences and an eye for goal which would make him different from Arsenal’s current forwards. They could easily trigger his £8.5m release clause, but Arsène Wenger has some reservations about bringing him to the Emirates.
2. Wilfried Bony
The Swansea man surprised many with just how quickly he has adjusted to the English game and in terms of profile he would naturally fit into the gap left by Olivier Giroud. Bony is similarly well built and effective with his back to goal, and probably a more natural goal-scorer judging by his 25 strikes last season.
3. Danny Welbeck
Wenger is a long-standing admirer of Manchester United’s talented young forward, whose pace, skill and imagination would fit well into Arsenal’s team. Welbeck has not made himself indispensable to United and does not feature highly in Louis van Gaal’s plans, which means Arsenal may be able to convince them to part with him for £16m.
4. Radamel Falcao
The best attainable No 9 in European football, Radamel Falcao has been a target for Real Madrid all summer and Arsenal could beat them to the Monaco player’s signature. Although he missed most of the year – and the World Cup finals – with a knee ligament injury, Arsenal could sign the Colombian on loan, though they would not get much change from £20m in that deal.