The Sunday Mirror claim this morning that "Carlton Cole is the number one target for Arsenal as manager Arsene Wenger looks to bolster his strike force in next month’s transfer window."

Steve Stammers writes: "West Ham striker Cole is seen as the ideal man to add strength and physical presence to a forward line that has been left lightweight by the absence through injury of Robin van Persie and Nicklas Bendtner."

Stammers adds: "Zola will not want to sell Cole but cash-strapped West Ham will find an offer of £15million difficult to resist."

Carlton Cole, 26, is expected to be out for a month with a knee injury. This season he has scored seven goals in 13 appearances for the Hammers.

Arsene Wenger said on Friday that he would not be bidding for Marouane Chamakh, Edin Dzeko and Mario Balotelli as it is hugely unlikely that strikers from Champions League clubs would leave in January.