Santi Cazorla may have ruffled a few feathers when he recently claimed that Arsenal needs a ‘true, true striker’. That is, if the club wants to get back to winning trophies. Nacho Monreal too agreed on the same when he said that the club needs ‘another player who scores 25 goals per season’.
They may have told it in a slightly annoying way but there is truth in it. Gunners need a striker who can find the back of the net consistently. The club really needs a striker in the mould of Thierry Henry. Gunners will do well to have a player who can be consistent, a real poacher in front of the goal and is ready to take the club to the next level.
So, who can it be? Who can be the striker the club can target?
There are only few strikers that can fit the bill and available for Wenger to target in this transfer window. Let’s look at who this striker can be.
1) Jackson Martinez (Porto)
The Colombian hitman scores goals for fun and has been the target of Wenger for many seasons now. The 28 year old Porto striker has a release clause of £25 million and is being monitored by many clubs. Once he is back from his Copa America duties, he would be finalizing his next club.
Will it be Arsenal? AC Milan and Valencia are also interested but if Arsenal is willing to pay the release clause, Martinez could well be heading to London.
Chances: Difficult but possible
2) Karim Benzema (Real Madrid)
A long time target of Wenger, this French striker is on the cross roads after the arrival of Rafa Benitez. The new Real Madrid coach wants to have Ronaldo as his centre forward. This could mean that Benz could be looking for a new club soon to be the main striker.
Will it be Arsenal? Manchester United is also interested and Madrid also will be unwilling to prize away with their asset.
Chances: Difficult to pursue. Tough to execute!
3) Gonzalo Higuain (Napoli)
The Argentine striker is looking to be involved in Champions League which his current club Napoli can’t offer. Napoli president wouldn’t be lured into a deal unless the buy-out clause of £57m is met. But, Higuain may be tempted into looking elsewhere this transfer season.
Will it be Arsenal, then? Manchester United, again, is credited with a serious interest. Also, Napoli president Aurelio de Laurentis is a tough nut in discussions.
Chances: Difficult…difficult….difficult!
And then there are other targets like Alexandre Lacazette of Lyon and Carlos Bacca of Sevilla. Arsenal and Wenger will definitely appeal to most (if not all) of them. It’s just a matter of who!
Sridha B