Arsenal fans were hoping that the club was going to sign a new striker all summer long and although we had to wait right until the final days of the window, Arsene Wenger finally got his man.
The likes of Morata, Higuain, Lacazette and Vardy were all linked and that’s just to name a few. But it was Spanish striker Lucas Perez who joined the club in a reported £17 million deal. Lucas was by no means Wenger’s obvious first choice and there were clearly other candidates in mind, but realistically who else could we have seen leading the line for Arsenal this weekend?
It has today been revealed that Arsenal may have been able to sign Juventus striker Mario Mandzukic this summer, after it has been reported that the Gunners rejected an approach from the Serie A Giants. The Old Lady came calling for Arsenal’s Alexis Sanchez, however the Gunners remained firm and rejected Juventus’ offer, which may have also included Mandzukic in the deal.
Arsenal rejected that offer, however with the contractual developments that seem to be surrounding Alexis at the moment, it is understood by the Metro that Juventus may come calling again with Mandzukic in the deal. They report that according to local Italian outlet Calciomercato, “Juventus could now seek to take advantage of the uncertainty surrounding Sanchez’s future, by trying their luck with a tempting swap deal for Arsenal.”
Personally I don’t entirely buy all of this Alexis Sanchez uncertainty because although I could understand his frustrations with the club, I don’t think he would cause a stir during the course of the season. Alexis has a winning mentality and wants to do well for his club, so regardless of whether or not he is hesitant towards signing a new deal, I don’t think he would let it affect his A game.
As for Mandzukic, personally I’ve never really been a fan and I think that the Croatian would be far too similar to Olivier Giroud. They both have the same physical strengths and although Mandzukic may be more proven to a higher level, I don’t think he would necessarily be an upgrade. Therefore, although I wouldn’t go as far as to say that our strike force still doesn’t need work, because I think more additions could be made, I don’t think Mandzukic would be the right choice and especially not for the value of losing Alexis Sanchez.
Would you have been happy with having Mandzukic at the club instead of Alexis?
By AH