Arsenal Transfer News: Clint Dempsey and Four More Players Who Could Replace Robin Van Persie

The sale of Robin van Persie to Manchester United has left supporters and players alike seeking a big name arrival to compensate for the loss of last season's Premier League top scorer. Coupled with the loss of Alex Song to Barcelona, the club's biggest summer arrival believes reinforcements are necessary.

"I do not know if we will sign anyone but obviously it's important to replace players like that because they were so important for the team," Santi Cazorla said, according to the Daily Mail.

Arsene Wenger has claimed that he already made provisions for losing Van Persie by signing Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud, but Given the lack of a cutting edge shown by the Gunners in an opening day goalless draw with Sunderland, the Spaniard may be right. Below is a look at five players who could be targeted to help the club overcome the departure of their former talismanic captain.

Fernando Llorente

The Spanish international has informed Athletic Bilbao of his desire to leave the club this summer and he may well get his wish as he has entered the final year of his contract. Despite that fact, the Basque outfit have claimed that the 27-year-old will not be sold for less than his €36 million (£28m) buyout clause.

Arsenal have been linked, though Juventus are said to be in pole position for his signature. A high asking price, coupled with his similarities to new Arsenal signing Olivier Giroud mean a move to the Emirates appears unlikely.

Clint Dempsey

He may primarily be an attacking midfielder, but the want-away Fulham star was the Premier League's joint fourth highest goal scorer last season and could help fill the gaping in terms of scoring left by Van Persie's absence. Dempsey has also shown his versatility, both for club and country, by playing all along the front line.

Such is the U.S. international's desire to move to a bigger club that he missed Fulham's opening match of the season. Though Liverpool are thought to be his most likely destination, Dempsey has admitted a desire for Champions League football, something which Arsenal could offer. Dempsey has entered the final year of his contract, but it remains to be seen whether Arsene Wenger could get the 29-year-old at a price that the notoriously frugal Frenchman considers value for money.

M'Baye Niang

One for the future, 17-year-old forward Niang was taken on trial by Arsenal earlier in the summer and the club subsequently had a £5 million offer rejected by Caen, according to ESPN. A host of clubs have been linked to the Frenchmen, with the latest reports suggesting that Everton could be readying a £6 million offer.

Adrian Lopez

The Spanish international had a breakthrough year last season. In his first campaign with Atletico Madrid, the 24-year-old struck seven goals in La Liga followed by another 10 as Atletico claimed the Europa League.

The versatile forward has been linked to Arsenal amid reports that he has a £14.5 million release clause in his contract.

Stevan Jovetic

Another forward to be linked with both Juventus and Arsenal, the Fiorentina forward scored 14 goals in Serie A last season after recovering from a serious cruciate ligament injury that ruled him out for the entirety of the previous campaign. A versatile forward, the Montenegrin is, like Van Persie, highly technically skilled and would complement Arsenal's existing attacking options.

Arsenal will have to move fast, however, with Goal.com claiming that the 22-year-old has been targeted by Manchester City for €30 million (£23.6m).