Arsenal. A Club Without A Striker.

What is an Arsenal striker? I'm not talking about a forward or an attacking player. I'm not talking about the likes of Kanu or Bergkamp who link the play.

I'm talking about the main goal getters. The ones who get the bulk of the goals and the team struggles to find a way to score when they're not in it.

Lets have a look over the last 15 or so years shall we? Starting with...

Alan smith.

Yes, Alan smith, the two time First Division top scorer who was only ever booked once in his entire career, which included moments such as getting the winning goal in the Cup Winners Cup Final against Parma and scoring against Liverpool in the famous 0-2 win at Anfield.

He was a striker suited to the kick and rush, boring, boring longball football that was the essence of the english top flight during the late 80's.

He was good in the air and good on the ground. A sort of a C.Ronaldo of his time, but with a bit less pace, not much of the attitude and absolutely none of the flair.

Alan Smith was an Arsenal striker. The fans loved him and he delivered what he was asked. His style fit the style of the team and he finished his career with the Gunners having won a Double and a European trophy.

But who could replace such a big player for Arsenal? Who could come in and to the difficult job of getting the goals and pushing the likes of Liverpool for the FIrst Division Championship? In the end Arsenal turned to a player named...

Ian Wright.

The electric pace. The sharp shooter accuracy. The goals game after game after game.

Wright pretty much wore his heart on his sleeve, and was known for even celebrating his training ground goals. Not only was he an Arsenal player, but he was one of Arsenal's biggest fans. His goal celebrations and hyperactive character won supporters over from almost the first time he stepped onto the pitch in an Arsenal shirt.

Big moments in his career include breaking the clubs goal scoring record and being part of the Double winning side of 97-98.

Then eventually, as Wright began to lose his pace and the goals started to dry up, Arsenal needed a new striker. There was almost a sense of resignation that finding someone who could fill Wrights boots could take years, such was the impact he had made on the club.

Then along came a young winger who had struggled to get off of the Juve subs bench called...

Thierry Henry.

Even though he was never officially recognised with an award, Thierry was probably the first Arsenal player to be considered the best player in the world.

A World Cup and European Championship winner. He also won the Double with Arsenal in 2002 and captained the team to the Champions League Final in 2006.

His pace, sharp finishing and link up play with Vieira and Pires helped him break Ian Wright's goal record on his way to a total of 226 goals in 369 games (including 83 assists).

But being considered one of the best players in the world means that the best clubs are always knocking on your door, and eventually, Thierry left for Barcelona with the expectation of being able to write his name down in football history along with the biggest names.

So there you have it.

This is what any new front man has to try and improve upon.

These are the kind of things that an Arsenal striker needs to have.

These are the kind of abilities and records that Arsenal fans expect, no, demand the next main striker to have and make.

Just 'working your socks off' is not good enough if you give the ball away with one out of every two passes.

Missing 'sitters' is ok, I'm sure even Pele and Maradona did that, but missing 2 or 3 easy chances in almost every game is not.

So who will be the next Arsenal striker?

Who will be the one to eclipse what Thierry achieved and take the team forward?

Adebayor?

Certainly not from what he's shown so far.

Theo?

We won't know until he's given a run as a striker.

Carlos Vela?

My hunch is that he'll play more out wide than he does as a striker.

David Villa?

Maybe he's just too expensive.