The unexpected news that Arsene Wenger has declared he will try to sign a striker in January must have floored most Arsenal fans. The Frenchman doesn’t usually make any claims let alone buys in the transfer window.
Even if Robin Van Persie wasn’t out for the season, I still really felt Arsenal had to buy. I’m sure Nicklas Bendtnar, who himself has been hampered with injuries is feeling gutted as this would have been his chance to stake his claim as the central striker at the club and is now out until the new year.
The interesting thing about all this is that usually, Arsene places full faith with what he already has in his squad. I think his mindset has changed due to last year when he bought Andrey Arshavin. The circus and ruckus surrounding the little Russian when he made his own way to North London probably surprised Wenger. The lift it gave the fans during an abysmal season was there for all to see.
I think he may buy this January but with The Boss, you never know!
Potential Targets:
Yao Kouassi Gervinho
This player from Lille has pace, power and a great hairstyle to match. Wenger has long been an admirer of the former Le Mans player. He will be eligible to play in the Champions League but if called up, will be jetting off to the African Cup of Nations in January. He can play on the wing or up front and could be a worthy addition.
André-Pierre Gignac
He’s the star of Toulouse and as a French international, will be just to Arsene Wenger’s liking. He is picked ahead of Benzema for France and is as rugged as Rooney, but taller (he’s over six-foot). He will command a big fee, and his feet may not be on the ground after being linked with Europe’s biggest clubs and as his acrimonious departure from Lorient. He can play in the Champions League.
The only thing that Wenger may be hesitant on is the fact that he has already named his club in which he would like to move to (Manchester United, after watching Cantona play). It doesn’t really matter normally, but you see it with players, when determined to go to a certain club, they usually get their way.
Bryan Ruiz
Costa Rican sensation currently plying his trade at FC Twente in Holland. Tall, technical and blessed with an attacking prowess. He could be tempted to move to Arsenal with the promise of playing against some fabulous teams in the Champions League and in a general hunt for trophies. However, he is playing with a highly talented team that look like they will win the Eredivise so may want to see the season out first before moving. Probably the least amount of money will be needed on this player.
Fernando Llorente
This would be the best bet. I’m not sure if Athletic Bilbao would be willing to sell their poster boy, but before the World Cup, where he will undoubtedly shine, a club could get themselves an awesome player without the astronomical price that will come in the summer. This is the target man that Arsenal need. And unlike so many others can finish too. England fans will remember his goal for Spain against them but he’s capable of so much more. He is young and will have plenty of time to grow at a club that has patience with youth.
I would have said Niang, who plays for Marseille. But he is out for six weeks and may not want to move to another club when his team are flying at the moment.
I will not mention Van Nistelrooy, not because Arsenal hate him, but because of his injury problems. Arsenal already have Van Persie, Rosicky, Djourou, Eduardo and Diaby who are permanently injured, why add another? Madness rumour.
I also don’t think it would be worth mentioning, Pato, Torres, Benzema, Aguero or even Dzeko for the simple truth that Arsenal cannot afford them. It will be hard to buy anyone in January because most clubs have targets for a season so it will be even harder for Wenger.
Notice I haven’t mentioned Chamakh? I have a feeling Arsene may be trying to get him on a free for the summer!
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