Third in the table and with a welcome return to form as a busy festive period beckons, on the pitch Arsenal are perfectly poised to challenge Manchester United and Chelsea for the 2010 Premier League title. In the boardroom, with the club s ownership issu

Third in the table and with a welcome return to form as a busy festive period beckons, on the pitch Arsenal are perfectly poised to challenge Manchester United and Chelsea for the 2010 Premier League title.

In the boardroom, with the club's ownership issue likely to play big in the new year, Arsenal continue to buck the trend despite the recession as they return record profits.

But if Santa could bring just one present for the Gunners, what would it be?

PERRY GROVES

ARSENAL CULT HERO (1986-1992)

My perfect Christ-mas present would be Edin Dzeko, Wolfsburg's striker.

For starters, he's at least 6ft 3ins which means it would increase the average size of the side by at least 3ft because, let's face it, we're a team of oompah loompahs at the moment who are seriously lacking some height.

But seriously, he is everything we need if we're to really go for it in the second half of the season and challenge for the title.

He is big, strong, quick and can score goals, having averaged well over a goal every two games for Wolfsburg which is a hell of a record in the Bundesliga.

He's also only 23 so we would have his best years to come. He's a perfect age.

The Bosnian wouldn't be cheap - one paper mentioned �25million - but he has a physical presence we are seriously lacking. We have such a wonderful side and, especially with Robin van Persie out, we just need that edge up front. Dzeko would provide it.

So yes, if Santa could sort that out I'd be a happy man ...

VIC CRESCIT

COLUMNIST, HIGHBURY HIGH FANZINE

I'd like to wake up on Christmas morning and find out that Alisher Usmanov is just a bad, bad dream.

Sorry, but I just don't like the guy and don't trust him. We don't know enough about him.

That said, I'm not too mad on Stan Kroenke too, but the board seem to have taken to him.

There are too many people behind the scenes and it is getting all very complicated.

New year the ownership issue looks like it will come to a head, but wouldn't it be great if it could just go back to English ownership with people we know and trust.

This is Arsenal, I don't want rich oligarchs or whoever taking control like at other clubs.

We're better than that.

On the playing front, a trophy would be nice in 2010, and do you know what, I think we'll win something.

I just have a good feeling and when I have a good feeling it normally comes true.

We have started to get the knack of winning games when we are not playing well. We saw that to an extent against Wolves last weekend and I think that bodes well for the second half of the season.

JOHN HOLLINS MBE

(ARSENAL MR NICE GUY 1979-1983)

Robin van Persie's injury is massive to Arsenal, so, even though it is a tall order, a top quality centre forward is a must for the New Year.

In fact, if I could pick the perfect striker, the kind of guy we really need, I'd want Alan Smith in his prime for Christmas.

He is exactly what that side is lacking. He was a big strong presence up front who scored lots of goals, was one of the best headers of the ball around and could hold the ball up and allow players to run past him knowing they'd get the ball or that the attack wouldn't break down.

Some of the lads we've got are amazing - I love Andrey Arshavin, for example, while Thomas Vermaelen at the back has been a revelation - but with van Persie and Nicklas Bendtner both injured, we need a strong presence at the attacking point.

So yes, a strong, big centre forward, with great skill, great awareness who is also quick would be perfect for the 25th.

Now, where on earth does Arsene Wenger find one of those this Christmas?