Macedonian on his way?

Arsene Wenger insisted yesterday that he will be keeping a close eye on the transfer market as it reopens and that can only mean one thing, that he will be strengthening his squad with at least one addition come the end of the month.

A number of players have been linked to the club in recent weeks, the majority of which are strikers, understandable given the injuries to Robin van Persie, Nicklas Bendtner and Eduardo.

Wenger said that there may be bargains available during the window and he is right. Brazilian international Adriano is scoring goals for fun at Flamengo in his homeland and may be worth a gamble on a free transfer. Luca Toni, meanwhile, who led the line for the victorious Italian 2006 World Cup team, will be allowed to leave Bayern Munich for a nominal fee after falling out with Louis van Gaal, the coach. Another Arsenal target, Marouane Chamakh, the Bordeaux forward, may also be available for a bargain price as his contract expires in the summer. But there is another name to add to the list who may prove to be the bargain of the year.

Goran Pandev has today be granted release from his contract at Lazio after a contractual dispute ongoing since last summer. The Macedonian international has not played in Serie A all season and will therefore be a little rusty, but also very fresh. The 26 year-old has scored 22 goals in 52 internationals and 48 in 159 games for Lazio. Pandev is seen as one of his country's leading players and his two recent goals against Spain has seem him become his country's leading scorer. Although smaller than van Persie, Pandev has the skill element to match his game.

The likes of AC Milan, Liverpool and Tottenham, as well as Arsenal, have been linked to the forward in the past and Wenger may now look to revive his interest.