ARSENAL boss Arsene Wenger is reportedly lining up a £9million bid for West Ham striker Carlton Cole.

The Frenchman has revealed he is in the market for a striker following long-term injuries to Rovin van Persie and Nicklas Bendtner.

The Sun claim Cole is the man that fits the bill, despite assurances from Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola that he will hang on to his best players during this month's transfer window.

However, the decision may be taken out of Zola's hands, as West Ham's owners may look to trim their debts, currently believed to stand at around £40m.

Wenger said: "There is no way we can carry on with only one striker.

"Bendtner is being treated now and will come back on Friday for tests. If he is out for another two months, we will need to buy someone, absolutely.

"There is a 50-50 chance we will sign somebody. Even if Bendtner is OK we will look around and if we find a good bargain we will still do it."