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Once a hated rival, could Sunderland’s Jermain Defoe turn Arsenal into Premier League champions?

Burnley's Ben Mee and Sunderland's Jermain Defoe (REUTERS)
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The Sunderland hitman has all the qualities that Arsenal currently lack in the forward department.

Sunderland manager David Moyes speaks to Jermain DefoeSunderland manager David Moyes speaks to Jermain Defoe

Black Cats striker Jermain Defoe has been in sensational form for his club this season, turning back the years with a succession of fantastic displays.

Quite where Sunderland would be without him does not bear thinking about.

He also made a successful return to the England national team, scoring at Wembley yesterday during the Three Lions’ 2-0 win over Lithuania.

With his side rock bottom of the Premier League, however, and relegation looking more likely with every week that passes, the 34-year-old will surely leave Wearside at the end of the season.

And the Gunners should not hesitate to make a move for the striker.

Arsene Wenger has a plethora of talented, skilful forwards amongst his ranks, but none of them are clinical enough in front of goal.

The Frenchman desperately needs a poacher type striker in his squad, and who better than Defoe?

For all of Arsenal’s attractive football, their pretty play often amounts to nothing, with the likes of Olivier Giroud and Danny Welbeck far from proficient in the six yard box.

Sunderland's Jermain Defoe looks dejectedSunderland’s Jermain Defoe looks dejected

Watching his side squander chance after chance must be difficult for Wenger to take, but he could solve the issue by bringing the former Tottenham Hotspur man to the Emirates in the summer.

Despite his advancing years, he is still in fantastic shape physically, and will surely be able to do a job at the highest level for another two or three years at the very least.

Although David Moyes will not want to lose Defoe, there will be little he can do, should Arsenal come in with a significant bid in the summer.

And if the Gunners do manager snare the England international striker, next season really could be the the year where they end their long wait for their fourth Premier League crown.

Sunderland's Jermain DefoeSunderland’s Jermain Defoe