Striker Dilemma

I think everybody would agree that the names for all positions except the striking position is pretty much certain, namely Cacerés as a CB, Hleb as a CM/winger and Alvés as a RB. For the striking position however we seem to have a bit of an issue on our hands.

Eto'o is leaving, that is certain and there is no point in denying it so we will need to sign a replacement of the highest level.

The names in the press seems to be the following:

- Adebayor

For some reason we are linked with this player who even the Arsenal fans themselves don't seem to rate despite his good season. We all know as well the record for Arsenal players leaving and personally I'm struggling to think of even one that was succesful.

He has recently stated that he will stay at Arsenal so that means he is unlikely to join.

- Berbatov

His price and the fact that the board seems to prefer other players makes him an unlikely acquisition.

- Ibrahimovic

One of the favourite of the boards but it's rumoured that he has been offered a Mega-contract consisting of €12million anually which is "outside the market" so to speak and this would make it difficult.

- Villa

He was rumoured a while back but it seems to have faded mostly because the board thinks he's better suited to a counter-attacking team rather than a dominating one. Make of that what you will. His relatively small size rules him out and it's not even discarded that he might stay at Valencia yet.

- Benzema

Last but not least.

The favourite of the fans and the board. Is young but has it all. Strength, technique, dribbling skill, shooting, finishing, off the ball movement and so on. You name it and he probably has it.

The main problem however is the players insistence on staying another season what with the new contract which makes him the best paid player in Ligue 1 and the fact that Lyon has no intention of selling unless a monster club-breaking offer comes in.

Personally, Benzema is my favourite but even I think it would be best for him to stay on another season if he is uncertain that could't handle the pressure of playing at a top club, let alone one which desperately needs to win now. It takes a lot more than just skill and even physique if you want to make it here. He will need sizable balls to to withstand the tremendous pressure of a club which will even boo it's own players if they are unhappy. You need to be absolutely sure and confident in your self IMO, there can be room for no doubts.

The reason this is a dilemma is because we WILL sign a new striker but know one seems to have a clue of who that might be yet.

I haven't included the likes of Guiza, Cruz, Crespo and so on because they would only be backup-up at best if they arrived and with Henry staying this option looks unlikely.

Another potential problem we have on our hands is if Ronaldo leaves Manchester. Not only would it seriously fortify Madrid but it would almost certainly mean United would skip past us and sign Benzema and Alvés in front of our noses. If this scenario came true it would be a nightmare and we would essentially be screwed. All we can do ATM is hoping this doesn't happen because it's a lose-lose situation.

So what do you think/should happen for the striking position?

And no Eto'o staying etc. Only come up with suggestions which are grounded in reality please.