Arsenal can capitalise on QPR relegation to bag bargain striker

A criticism often levelled at Arsene Wenger is that he is not willing to pay top dollar to land the elite players who can truly make a difference to a title race.

And after replacing Robin Van Persie with Olivier Giroud last summer, comments of the same nature are likely to be attributed to the Arsenal chief again, as relegated QPR become the focus of his transfer attentions.

Indeed, as Manchester United look to strengthen their squad with the addition of Robert Lewandowski, Manchester City gun for Edinson Cavani, and Chelsea hope to bring in Radamel Falcao, Rs striker Loic Remy heads Wenger’s wishlist.

That is not to say the French international hasn’t enjoyed an impressive, albeit brief stint in England’s top flight so far, either.

Remy, 26, has notched five times in 11 appearances since completing a January switch to Loftus Road, but was unable to prevent the Hoops’ demotion to the Championship being confirmed with three seasonal matches remaining.

And therefore, a clause within his contract now means any offers of £6m or more must be accepted by QPR, who paid £8m for Remy’s services a mere matter of months ago.

Tottenham, Everton and Liverpool are all thought to have been alerted by the ex-Marseille man’s release clause in company with Arsenal, seemingly indicating that Remy’s abilities merit a place within a top-six squad at least.

But as the Gunners desperately strive to end eight trophy-less years, surely attempting to ensure the addition of a higher-profile star would be a more sensible avenue for Wenger to go down.

As aforementioned, the three sides who look likely to finish above Arsenal in this year’s Premier League standings are all preparing bids for world-renowned attacking talents, rather than capitalising on the fortunes of the division’s bottom club.

With Wenger ready to adhere to his usual policy of picking up talent not quite at the world class level for a knockdown fee though, Gunners supporters could be forgiven for being sceptical regarding their 16/1 chances of a fourth Premier League title next term.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.