It was a long, frustrating transfer window for Arsenal fans which was salvaged with the last minute purchase of German international playmaker Mesut Ozil. Although the £42.5million signing eased the tension at the Emirates, the alarming lack of depth especially upfront could be a cause of concern to the current league leaders.
As usual, the casualties have been piling up since the opening day 3-1 loss to Villa with first-team regulars Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Lukas Podolski facing lengthy spells on the side-lines. It leaves Arsenal looking thin, particularly in forward positions.
It’s not all bad for the Gunners, in fact, it has been quite the opposite. Arsenal have defied the injuries and sit top of both the Premier League and Group F in the Champions League as well as progressing to the fourth round of the league cup.
A standout catalyst for Arsenal’s scintillating form is Olivier Giroud, who has built on his steady first season at the club with a much improved second season. The France international has 6 goals in 11 games already, which has displayed that he can be the consistent striker that we only saw glimpses of last season. Although the obvious improvement is apparent, the need for competition is always necessary as shown around most of Europe’s top clubs.
An injury to the former Montpellier man would be disastrous and could stall Arsenals attempts to challenge for the Premier League and their assault on the Champions League. The Gunners lack a replacement to fill the sizeable shoes of the Frenchman. Giroud not only has the burden of scoring most of the goals but also the pressure to keep fit rests firmly on the broad shoulders of Arsenal’s number 12. Nicklas Bendtner has been welcomed back into the fold following his Arsenal exile but Arsène Wenger knows the club will have to strengthen in January if they are to become serious contenders for the title this season.
With that in mind, here are 5 REALISTIC targets that could solve the potentially critical lack of depth.
1. Luis Muriel, 22, (Udinese & Colombia)
Luis Muriel played for Colombian side Deportivo Cali until he was plucked by Udinese who have a famed FC Porto style scouting network across South-America. Widely regarded as the most promising striker in Serie A, surprisingly no clubs made their interest known to Udinese (who were adamant they wouldn’t sell this summer). Whatever price tag the Stadio Fruli based club had dangling over his head this year, I’d imagine it would be double that this time next year with the striker ready to explode in the current campaign.
Despite having injury problems throughout the 2012/13 season, he still managed to score 12 goals in 22 games partnering veteran goal-machine Antonio Di Natale up front. He has been compared to the Brazilian Ronaldo due to his pace, dribbling, stocky frame (and his eating habits on a more negative front). The striker will look to unleash his potential on this years Serie A and will look to become the breakout player for Colombia in next summer’s World Cup.
What will he bring to Arsenal?
His playing style is the complete opposite of 6”4 inch Olivier Giroud, which would add another dynamic to the Arsenal front line. He has raw ability which means he will never be afraid to run at defenders and possesses the unpredictability factor that we familiarise with the majority of South-Americans that arrive on European shores. Opposing teams tend to sit deeper against Arsenal and Muriel could offer that something special to unlock the tightest defences with his dazzling skill and penchant for the spectacular.
Perhaps the biggest tactical advantage of having Muriel leading the line is that Arsenal will rediscover the ability to initiate the lightening fast counter-attacks that blew away teams in the invincibles era. Olivier Giroud is a player that prefers his back to goal whilst Muriel is at his best playing slightly deeper and travelling with the ball.
Transfer Situation.
Traditionally, Udinese are a selling club (the likes of Gokhan Inler, Simeone Pepe, Mehdi Benatia & Fabio Quagliarella all built careers at Udinese) and don’t stand in the way of players who look to move on. Udinese have him tied down but I doubt they will be able keep hold of him past next summer with reported interest from Juventus and Manchester United.
The Italians are funding a new stadium so any potential suitors will need to dig deep into their pockets to land the Colombian. I expect that Muriel will stay for the duration of the season which would be beneficial for his development given the additional experience. Tempting him away in January would be a difficult task but as always, Udinese will sell at the right price.
2. Burak Yılmaz, 28 (Galatasaray & Turkey)
Former manager Guus Hiddink dubbed Yılmaz as one of Europe’s best strikers which is justifiable given the striker’s goal-scoring form over the last 3 seasons. In 2011/12 he scored 35 goals in 43 games for Trabzonspor which earned his a move to current club Galatasaray where he has continued his hot streak. The 2012-13 season proved to be a very successful one for the Turkey international who for the second successive season, surpassed the 30 goal mark and in addition to his domestic exploits, he also equalled the Champions League record of scoring in 6 consecutive matches (tying with Marouane Chamakh and Cristiano Ronaldo). Such form advertises a player who is ready for a new challenge in a bigger league as opposed to playing in one of Europe’s backwater leagues. Lazio tried and failed in a deadline day move which keeps the door open for Arsenal and other potential suitors.
What will he bring to Arsenal?
Goals. Plain and simple. Headers, volleys, solo goals, tap-ins, penalties and even the odd long range striker – what you would get in Yilmaz is a ready-made, razor sharp forward at the peak of his power. His eagerness to get on the score sheet is evident with his intelligent off the ball running and the ability to shoot with both feet.
After a near anonymous start to his career where he played for 5 different clubs in Turkey, at 28, he has found a home and along with that, the confidence to succeed and is scoring at will in his homeland. Standing at 6”2 inches, Yilmaz will have no trouble using his athletic frame to adapt the hustle and bustle of the Premier League.
Transfer Situation.
For the right price, Galatasaray are willing to sell their star striker. A deal was in place with Lazio and looked all but done on deadline day. However, the player’s agent demanded extravagant fees as part of the deal so Lazio president Claudio Lotito pulled the plug and the player has remained at Galatasaray.
Arsenal hold another advantage with the player admitting he would be interested in a move to the Emirates prior to leaving Trabzonspor. An offer of around £12million should persuade the Turkish champions to part company with their star striker.
3. Matias Suarez, 25 (Argentina & Anderlecht)
Arsenal spent most of the summer transfer window chasing Liverpool’s Luis Suarez. Despite the striker’s willingness to leave, Liverpool stood firm and Arsenal failed with their audacious £40,000,001 move. The deal looks dead with a resurrection of talks in January looking unlikely, a cheaper alternative to the Uruguayan could be his namesake, Matias.
The Anderlecht striker’s career has gone from strength to strength ever since Romelu Lukaku departed for Chelsea in 2011. After suffering from injuries which have kept him from competing on a regular basis, the Argentine is now looking to bounce back and show why a number of clubs are monitoring his situation at current club Anderlecht.
What he will bring to Arsenal?
He shares more than just his name with Luis Suarez. Like Luis, Matias can play in a number of attacking roles. He knows how to play on either wing or just in behind the centre-forward using his pace and dribbling ability. He has gradually improved his attacking aspects of his game and is dangerous when taking up wide positions and cutting in on his favoured right foot.
Standing at 6”0, Matias Suarez is a winger-come-striker who exhibits the exact type of raw footballing ability that Wenger loves to mould into his own.
Transfer Situation.
Arsenal have been tracking the Argentine ever since he played for Belgrano in Argentina. Wenger is a keen admirer but should act quickly if he does seriously want him. CSKA Moscow were extremely close to signing him but Suarez failed his medical and returned to Belgium.
He made his comeback from injury in the 2nd half of last season and is looking back to his best. Anderlecht are competing in the Champions League so the fact Matias Suarez would be cup-tied for Arsenal should they proceed to the latter stages of the competition could stall Arsenal’s attempt to land the striker.
4. Jackson Martinez, 27 (Colombia & FC Porto)
The second Colombian on the list and arguably just as talented as Muriel. The 27-year-old has burst onto the scene of European football ever since his arrival from Chiapas in the Mexican league. He took no time to settle and hit an astonishing 34 goals in 43 games for the Estadio do Dragão outfit. The instant impact has encouraged comparisons with former Porto striker and compatriot Radamel Falcao who also became an instant hero during his short, but effective spell at Porto.
What he will bring to Arsenal?
Inevitable comparisons were made with Radamel Falcao which, if you watch him play, it’s a lazy comparison. Apart from being Colombian and playing for Porto, the strikers have contrasting styles. Both are prolific but Jackson Martinez is definitely more powerful and explosive and has an unpredictable streak lurking within him, whilst his compatriot is a more languid, conventional hit man.
In terms of his repertoire, the striker has the lot, the organic predatory instinct that cannot be taught as well as aerial dominance, two good feet, pace and composure in front of goal, particularly during one on one situations.
The striker’s consistent knack of catching the opposing defenders off guard was epitomised by his stunning back-heel volley in a 2-0 win over Sporting Lisbon last year. The goal displayed his willingness to improvise and the ability to use that killer instinct all the best strikers have.
Transfer Situation.
This is his second season at Porto but as always, the Portuguese champions are always willing to sell, providing the right offer arrives. In typical Porto fashion, they have already had a £33million release clause installed into Jackson Martinez’ contract, the same tactic worked with the transfer of Falcao and Hulk.
With Arsenal spending big on Mesut Ozil, Arsène Wenger may have to look for a cheaper alternative which would rule Jackson Martinez out of the running. However Arsène, who typically doesn’t give much away regarding transfers, may want to spring a surprise on Arsenal fans and the arrival of Jackson Martinez would certainly satisfy the Arsenal faithful – who longed for another striker to arrive in the summer. The move would create a healthy competition for places with Giroud as the clubs primary forward, which as we mentioned, is the hallmark of a title-winning club.
5. Karim Benzema, 25 (Real Madrid & France)
Last but certainly not least, the 25-year-old Frenchman is the probably the most unlikely name on the list. The striker was a phenomenon at Lyon and burst onto the scenes as a spritely teenager. The form of the youngster not only introduced himself to the France set-up but earned him a £35million move to Spanish giants Real Madrid. However things haven’t gone as smoothly as Benzema would’ve liked.
The striker is at a career crossroads, he has failed to score for France since July 2012 and is under immense pressure from the unforgiving Bernabéu crowd for his lacklustre performances, despite his credible goal ratio for the Los Blancos. The increasing media speculation has linked the striker away from the Bernabéu and despite a torrid year, the striker will not have a lack of suitors. The fresh start is maybe just what Benzema needs as he attempts to kick-start his career and discover his potential.
What he will bring to Arsenal?
Unlike the majority of names of the list, Benzema has been around long enough for most football fans to be familiar with what Benzema contributes on the pitch. His pace, a broad 6″0 frame, amazing technical ability and a strong eye for goal, are all components that make Benzema one of the most dangerous strikers in the world.
Not only would the arrival of an established forward excite Arsenal fans but again, the striker’s traits hold a significant contrast to Olivier Giroud’s. In Giroud we have the tall, traditional centre forward who has the knack of poaching goals and on the flip side, with Benzema, we would have the option of a quick, nimble footed striker who can change a game with a burst of speed or and piece of skill. The difference in characteristics would also make Giroud and Benzema compatible to play together if a change in formation were to occur. (Wenger himself pointed out on French T.V commentating on a France game).
Transfer Situation.
In order to acquire Gareth Bale, Real Madrid had to raise the funds. Last season Jose Mourinho alternated between Benzema and Gonzalo Higuain, the latter was sold to Napoli signalling incoming boss Carlos Ancelotti intention to make Benzema his undisputed striker. It has been a nightmare start to the season for the Frenchman who has failed to score in the league since August. If such form continues, Real Madrid may opt to sell their striker.
This time last year Arsenal wouldn’t even have been considered as a possible destination for a Real Madrid player, but there are a number of legitimate reasons why Karim Benzema could arrive at the Emirates.
Firstly, Arsenal have a newfound financial muscle that Wenger has license to wield. Whilst the possibility of a big name arriving in January is unlikely, the board may want announce their attention by signing a player of Benzema’s calibre.
Secondly, the reason why Benzema fashions a frustrated figure when he plays is because he has to play an accommodating role for Cristiano Ronaldo rather than being focal point of the team, something that would be different at Arsenal. With Benzema in the side, Arsenal’s play would surround the Frenchman meaning he would get more chances and ultimately score more goals.
The final reason why Arsenal maybe the best option for him is the surroundings. Arsenal have a French speaking manager who has always thought highly of Benzema, as well as a host of French players who would have played with Benzema for France. Not only that, but the arrival of good friend Mesut Ozil makes the Emirates an even more alluring place for him to play his football. A move abroad is made a whole lot easier if you have friends already there. The comforting atmosphere could help him regain his confidence and become the world class player he has shown he can be.
Verdict?
All of the aforementioned strikers would add another goal threat which you can never have too much of. If I had to pick one, it would have to be Karim Benzema, closely followed by Luis Muriel. The striker’s ability is established and it also sends out the statement that adds substance to our ambition. His style fits in seamlessly into Arsenal’s and the passing style would utilise Benzema’s underrated link up play as well as getting his name on the score sheet.
I believe that Arsenal would be one of the few clubs to get the best out of the striker who at 25-years-old, still has his best years ahead of him.
Who would you choose out of the 5?