Javier Hernandez
Reuters

Arsenal are planning a January bid for Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez, according to Mail Online.

The Gunners are in the market for a striker and have earmarked the Mexican forward as a potential target as back-up for Olivier Giroud. The north London club are stocked in the middle of the park and are well endowed in defence but their options up front have been a major cause for concern for Arsene Wenger, with only Nicklas Bendtner capable of leading the line in case of an injury to Giroud.

The Dane last started in an Arsenal shirt more than two years ago and since had loan trips to Sunderland and Juventus where he failed to inspire confidence. Bendtner was scheduled to be sold to Crystal Palace on deadline day last summer, but Wenger's inability to land a striker resulted in his transfer being blocked for the time being.

The Gunners are currently top of the league with 25 points, five points above Chelsea in second and will face Manchester United in the weekend as they aspire to go 11 points clear of the defending Premier League Champions.

Hernandez has not been an integral part of the United setup since in the arrival of Robin van Persie last season and has been unable to carve out a place for himself in the squad under David Moyes either, starting in only five games so far for the Red Devils.

However, his goal poaching skills are well accredited and will be an asset for the Gunners who have a wealth of creativity in midfield, but a dearth of finishers.

Arsenal are looking to put in a title challenge this season, for the first time in over five years and know that they are an injury to Giroud away from petering away in the league.

Wenger tried his best to land Luis Suarez last summer, but Liverpool's insistence on keeping the Uruguayan thwarted the move. Wenger is expected to move back in for the forward, but Liverpool's brilliant start to the season makes it unlikely that the Reds will be willing to listen to offers.