Arsenal and Liverpool are set to lock horns for the signature of Olympiacos striker Kostas Mitroglou in January, according to the Independent.

The Gunners are in desperate need of a striker to cover for Olivier Giroud and
have earmarked the Greek international to fill the gap. Arsenal are looking to put in a title challenge this season but are heavily dependent on the Frenchman up front, something which manager Arsene Wenger has said is detrimental to their title aspirations.

The 27-year-old is visibly tired, having started in almost all games for the Gunners this season and needs some rest along the way if they have to last the distance.

Liverpool are also looking at Mitroglou as a backup for Luis Suarez should the Uruguayan get injured. The 26-year-old has scored 17 goals in the league this season, comfortably more than Sergio Aguero, who is out for up to eight weeks with a calf injury. Daniel Sturridge has also injured his ankle ligaments and will not be available until later in the New Year and Brendan Rodgers is desperately trying to increase his side's potency up front, having added well in the defensive segment last summer.

Mitroglou has been in brilliant form for the Greek champions this season and will be a major addition to any premier league side owing to his versatility and prolificacy in front of goal.

However, the player is cup-tied and will not be available for participation in Arsenal's Champions league fixtures when they play Bayern Munich in February. The Greece international has already scored four goals in the league stages of the UCL and will play against Manchester United if he chooses to extend his stay.

Manager Jose Miguel Michel is not too concerned about the interest and believes that it is testament to the players' consistency which has earned him admirers from some of the best clubs in the world.

"If he keeps on doing well, it will be hard to keep him. We've known for some time that there has been interest from many clubs, but that's only logical considering how well he has been doing lately," the manager said.

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