Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger is ready to launch a raid for West Ham hitman Carlton Cole in a bid to ease the clubs striking crisis.

With top striker Robin Van Persie set to miss five months of the season with torn ankle ligaments he sustained during Holland’s 0-0 draw with Italy in a friendly match last month, and Danish striker Nicklas Bendtner facing a possible operation, Wenger is desperately short of fire-power.

Now the Gunners boss is turning his attention to West Ham forward Carlton Cole with the Frenchman ready to test the Hammers’ resolve by tabling a £15 million bid according to the Daily Mail.

Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola could be forced to consider such a bid in order to ease his clubs financial troubles although will be reluctant to see the back of his star player as the Hammers face a potential relegation fight.

Cole, 26, has netted seven goals in just 15 appearances this season for West Ham and won his first senior international cap in England’s 2-0 friendly defeat to Spain in February this year.

The former Chelsea ace is currently on the sidelines nursing a knee injury and is still four weeks away from first team action.