Arsenal: Arsene Wenger turns to Odion Ighalo after being snubbed in Aubameyang chase

Arsenal have stepped up their interest in Watford striker Odion Ighalo as Arsene Wenger expands his search for a striker in the upcoming summer transfer window. The Frenchman is keen to add a forward to provide competition for Olivier Giroud and Ighalo, who has been in mesmerising form this season, fits the bill to lead the Gunners' attack.

The Mirror reports that Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang remains Wenger's top choice for a move but the Gabon international has been priced at £60m ($87m) by Dortmund, which may price him out of a transfer to the Emirates. Moreover, the Dortmund striker has recently stated that he has no intention of moving to Arsenal and is enjoying his time with the Bundesliga club.

Ighalo has 14 goals in the league this season with the Hornets, second behind Romelu Lukaku and Jamie Vardy, who are ruling the scoring charts this season. His meteoric rise to fame has attracted a lot of attention, including from Atletico Madrid, who are also interested in his signature.

However, the player has his eyes set on a move to Manchester United, who are also in the market for a striker. The 26-year-old revealed that Andy Cole and Dwight Yorke are the players he worshipped growing up and he would be more than willing to follow in their footsteps to Old Trafford.

The Gunners are unlikely to make too many forays in the transfer market in January, with Mohamed Elneny likely to be their only transfer this window. The midfielder is expected to be announced next week before their Premier League fixture against Liverpool, with Arsene Wenger confident that the "complicated" move will be dealt with in the next couple of days.

Arsenal face Sunderland in the third round of the FA Cup at the Emirates on 9 January as they look to secure a record third successive Cup win, which would make Arsene Wenger the most successful manager in the history of the tournament. The Gunners are expected to field a slightly depleted squad in anticipation of the numerous fixtures ahead, including trips to Anfield and Stoke City in the coming week.