Arsenal player features: 3 Michael Smith alternatives Wrexham AFC should consider to solve striker issues | OneFootball

Three Michael Smith alternatives Wrexham could sign if a move for the Sheffield Wednesday striker falls flat.

Wrexham AFC find themselves in a promotion race in League One, but have yet to address the glaring issue in their squad this January.

Since Jack Marriott's injury early in the season, the Red Dragons have been without a reliable goalscorer. The 30-year-old is slowly being integrated back into the first team, after gaining a 15-minute cameo against Shrewsbury on Thursday.

However, aside from Steven Fletcher, Paul Mullin and Ollie Palmer have been unable to find the net on a consistent basis, which has led to Wrexham falling out of the automatic promotion places.

With Birmingham City, Wycombe Wanderers, and Huddersfield Town all splashing cash in this window, there's a chance that the Hollywood side could be left in the dust by their rivals if they don't follow suit.

Plenty of rumours have been flying around about whom the Welsh side are targtargetingetting, with the likes of Patrick Bamford and Ethan Wheatley being mentioned earlier in the window. Now, Sheffield Wednesday striker, Michael Smith, is the latest name to be touted with a move to Stok Cae Ras.

A proven goalscorer at League One level, the addition of the 33-year-old could raise eyebrows, should Wrexham pull it off. However, we've looked at three alternatives that the Dragons could target, if their move for Smith fails to materialise.

Matty Stevens

26 years old - AFC Wimbledon

Matty Stevens has been the standout attacker for AFC Wimbledon this season, after arriving from Forest Green Rovers in the summer. The 26-year-old has scored 13 goals in 24 League Two outings so far this season, which has him in the running for the golden boot.

Wrexham need someone who knows where the net is on a consistent basis, which Stevens has proven he does. Still only 26, he is nearing the peak of his career and will be looking to progress to a higher level as a reward for his form.

The Dons will undoubtedly be reluctant to let their star striker leave in the middle of the season, but thanks to the Red Dragons' financial power, they would be able to offer the League Two side a big fee, which would certainly soften the blow.

Danilo Orsi

28 years old - Burton Albion

Burton Albion have endured a thoroughly miserable campaign thus far, winning just two league matches in 25 attempts. The Brewers look nailed on for relegation, sitting 11 points away from safety as it currently stands.

Despite this, Danilo Orsi has been one of the very few bright sparks in a poor Burton side. The striker established himself as an excellent finisher last season with Crawley Town in League Two, and has continued that at the Pirelli Stadium.

Even though Orsi has only managed 6 league goals this season, you can't help but think he'd have far more than this in a better team, which creates more chances.

With his record of being a reliable finisher, the 28-year-old could thrive at Wrexham, as he looks to recapture his goalscoring form from last season.

Nathan Butler-Oyedeji

22 years old - Arsenal

Despite two previous EFL loans which didn't yield a single goal, Nathan Butler-Oyedeji has been in fine form for Arsenal under-23's in Premier League 2 this season.

With seven goals and six assists in nine matches, all from mainly a wide left position, the attacker is averaging almost two goal contributions per game.

Having found confidence with the Gunners' under-23s, Butler-Oyedeji will surely be looking to test himself in senior football once again, following unproductive loan stints with Accrington Stanley and Cheltenham Town.

Wrexham could be the perfect destination for the young forward, as he will have the chance to be the focal point of a promotion-pushing side.

Whilst this is the riskiest of the three given his previous uninspiring loan spells, a half-season deal for the Arsenal attacker could be beneficial for all parties. He could serve as a rotation option for Marriott as the 30-year-old returns to full fitness, or he might be able to replicate his incredible form for the young Gunners.