5 more strikers Arsenal could and should sign this season… by ED
Ok, this transfer window is getting a little bit ridiculous in terms of that it is 2 weeks left till the beginning of the season, and it doesn’t seem as if Arsene has got his act together. It’s almost comical the mere insinuation that we could be in the run in for the title. If we have learnt anything from last season it is if you don’t hit the ground running from day one, you shouldn’t expect to build up steam at the latter stages of the season. Anyway, rather than continue ranting on about how annoyed I am about the lack of activity I feel that it is best to help identify targets. In this case 5 more striking options (a continuation of the ones I suggested almost 2 months ago).
5) Javier Hernandez (Chicharito)…. With 17 Goals in the Bundesliga finishing 4th in the league’s top scorers – with only the proverbial ‘freaks of nature’ Abumeyang, Muller and Lewandoski outscoring him; in his inaugural season, I might add. The ex-Manchester United Forward would be a welcome addition to our team. For those who don’t remember Chicharito; despite his slightly average size for a centre-forward at 5ft 9in was well renowned for his ariel presence as well as presenting a real ‘fox in the box’ mentality which really excelled during his time at Bayer Leverkusen. Of course having signed a new contract not that long ago he may prove difficult to bring to the Emirates but a fee of around £25 million should be tempting enough.
4) Wissam Ben Yedder… 17 Goals and 5 assists for Toulouse last season. A very technically gifted striker, he has proved himself to be a real nuisance to defenders in the French League over the last four years and has consistently found himself amongst the top scorers in the French league; which doesn’t seem impressive until you ‘realise that he has done that while playing at the ‘Aston Villa of the French League’ Toulouse ( I mean in the sense that they are always relegation candidates). Of course, his versatility is what makes this prospect particularly interesting; as he presents the ability to offer support as a ‘number 10’ or function perfectly as a ‘number 9’ so tactically offers many attacking combinations which Arsenal have lacked for years (I mean lets be honest most of us can name Arsenal’s starting lineup in our sleep). With Sevilla and our retard cousins in white, to name a couple, circling around the very tempting fee of £15 Million he may not be around for long.
3) Borja Gonzales…A man who despite some very impressive scoring records cannot get a game at parent club Atletico Madrid and has been on loan for 5 seasons since his initial arrival at Athletico. Last season Borja scored 18 Goals in 36 for Eibar in La Liga and the season prior scored 22 goals in 39 appearances for Zaragoza in the Segunda Division. At 23 he has shown a transition worthy of warranting a starting place at just about any club as his ability to adjust to the competitiveness of La Liga and to be consistent at that shows a level of maturity well beyond his age. Given Atletico Madrid’s endowment in terms of players, it would be hard to see Borja getting the playing time he so clearly deserves and at his age he needs. A bid of around £18 Million (Give or Take £4 Million) should be enough to prize him away from the Vincente Calderon.
2) Arkadiusz Milik… The Polish Wonderkid, 21 Goals and 7 Assists in 28 Appearances for Ajax, he has definitely raised a few eyebrows. Tipped as the ‘future of Polish football’, Milik’s style of play mimics fellow Polish international and Bayern Munich goal machine Robert Lewandowski, incredible lay off play, disgusting left foot (I mean this in the positive sense, he literally looks like he would break the net whenever he shoots) and at 22 seems to be developing at a staggering rate, having made his international debut at the Euro championships, and featured in quite a few games at that, has attracted the attention of a few clubs in Europe needing a Centre forward, as he appears ready to take centre stage in one of Europes top teams. It must be noted though, supposedly Napoli have agreed on a fee according to various sources, but no official confirmation from either Ajax or Napoli that a deal has been concluded, I only write this because we could pull off a John Obi Mikel on Napoli with the supposed transfer fee in the region of £26 Million a last ditch £31 Million is mere peanuts for the man branded as the new Lewandoski.
1) Domenico Berardi… This may come has a huge surprise but hear me out; at 21 Years of age he has pretty much established himself as a force to be reckoned with in Italian Football, scoring 39 Goals and Assisting 23 Times in 93 Serie A, apperances for Sassuolo; arguably last season wasn’t his greatest as he only amassed 7 league goals and 6 Assists in 26 appearances, experimentation tactic wise led to a decrease in productivity . Berardi has the ability to play literally anywhere in attack, boasting attributes of a winger in terms of crossing and set piece taking ability, coupled with attacking midfielder attributes in killer through balls and topped off by a striker’s intuitive nature, eye for goal and ariel presence; this hybrid footballer is exactly what Arsenal need. To make this transfer, even more, tantalising is the clause in his contract that allowed Juventus to buy him from Sassuolo by virtue of their part ownership expires in 2 days, not that they need any more forwards. It’s assumed a fee upwards of £25Million would be enough to see this fantastic player in an Arsenal shirt.
I clearly do not like Wenger’s style of management; as much as I very appreciate of what he has done my patience has worn thin. I keep hearing ‘the right player at the right price’, however this list is clearly an example that I don’t think Wenger is doing enough and I question his judgement and competency when it comes to finding that supposed ‘Great White Buffalo’ (Yes that’s a Hot Tub Time Machine Reference). I’m tired of going through the ritual of come the end of April we’re blaming a lack of goals for our lack of competitiveness. Here is an opportunity to sign some someone and if I hear that he wasn’t able to find anyone, I will lose it. Note I have purposefully avoided Lacazette because there is way too much noise being made on that front. Not saying he isn’t good but I don’t see Wenger paying the fee and dealing with a team that airs its dirty laundry in public.
Eddie D