Deadline Day – Realistic Transfer Targets (Striker) by DJ Gooner
With deadline day fast approaching and an obvious need for a clinical striker option up top, this article focuses on realistic options.
The well coveted Benzema, who has had every gooner checking social media and sports news every hour since the window opened, has seemingly dismissed speculation of a move to North London after openly stating Madrid is his home. Despite this, there was still a show of hope from optimistic Arsenal fans around the world. However, after being brought back into Real’s starting XI for their second game of the season, during which he scored one himself and looked an entirely different level with him on the pitch, the move looks increasingly unlikely.
Cavani, another reported target, has shown amazing consistency hitting 25+ goals in each of the last five seasons despite largely appearing for PSG on the right side of a three-pronged attack since joining. So far this season, he has 2 in 4 games with both goals coming in the win over Monaco. With an ageing Ibrahimovic picking up more injuries, his desire to play through the middle looks as if it will be fulfilled this season. In addition, although Laurent Blanc has assembled a world-class squad, he does not have a wealth of options in this position were he allowed to leave. Also, the French champions do not seem to be looking to sell or be in need of the money so fans calling for Le Prof to spend 40, 50 or even 60million still might not get us the Uruguayan international.
With these 2 big names potentially non-movers, who IS available on the market?
Mauro Icardi
The Argentine finished top goalscorer in Serie A last year showing adept finishing skills and great determination. At 22, he is still a bit raw but like many others his age, he is not afraid of trying things. With intelligent runs, outstanding technique and composure in the box, he is definitely one to watch. With Jovetic arriving from Man City and Icardi being left (supposedly injured) for the last couple of games, a move could be on the cards. Would he be an upgrade on what we have though?
Alexandre Lacazette
Although he didn’t look the part in the more recent Emirates Cup, the 24-year old outscored Ibra and Cavani in Ligue 1 last year to pick up the Golden Boot, scoring 27 goals (32 in all comps). These are impressive stats but bearing in mind, 9 of these were penalties and 8 were tap-ins, is this the sort of striker we need?
Aubameyang
Dortmund have made a quick start to this year’s Bundesliga recording 3 wins on the spin with the Gabon international grabbing 3 goals and an assist. Traditionally a winger, his well documented pace is second to none, however since Lewandowski and Immobile’s departures, his conversion to a front man has seen him boast a goal tally in recent times that rivals the very best in Europe (7 goals in last 8 games). Might he be swayed by the offer of Champions League football?
With Giroud and Walcott both looking out of sorts, we need a player who will step up and bang in the goals, creating chances for themselves and converting for the team creating the most chances in the league.
Who is your pick?
DJ Gooner