The common phrase over the last couple of years has often been ‘Arsenal are only 2-3 quality players away from challenging’, now though the equation is simple. With the emergence of Francis Coquelin, only another alternative is needed in central midfield, however a top player is now not a priority. Up front is where the Gunners are crying out for strengthening, and after the pending signing of Petr Cech is completed, this is where Wenger must focus his attention.
For long periods last season Arsenal struggled, we had the creative flair through players such as Alexis, Cazorla and Özil but often there was no frontman to put the chances away. Giroud Walcott and Welbeck were injured for long periods and when chances needed to be taken, especially earlier on in the season, the Gunners faltered. Regularly we relied upon Alexis to bail us out of trouble and although both Giroud – and Walcott toward the end the season – came back strongly, it has always felt like something is missing up front.
If we put the numbers into context it is quite revealing. Walcott, who next season will have been at the club for 10 years has scored 76 times for Arsenal. Of course regular injuries have stunted his development, but that kind of goal return is not good enough for a title chasing team. Next comes Giroud, he’s scored 58 times in 3 seasons at the club. That is a very handy return, almost 20 a season, despite this though the Frenchman is never going to win a team the title. I think he’s a very good player, but in a world-class team he should be a back-up, like a Dzeko at City for example. Against the bigger teams Giroud often struggles to influence the game, he lacks the pace to trouble the best defences and his one on one finishing is not the best. Look at the Monaco game for example, he had numerous chances, and in the big games the big teams need early chances to be taken or you’ll be punished.
In practice what Arsenal really need is a pacy frontman who is cool in front of goal. It’s easy to pluck names, but Alexandre Lacazette would be a terrific signing. He’d supplement Giroud, Welbeck and Walcott very well and would give Wenger’s side the required options to mount a serious challenge.
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In the moments when it matters chances need to be taken. Arsenal have always had the players to create the openings, but often have lacked that clinical finisher. If Wenger could somehow find this type of player from somewhere, then Arsenal will be in a very strong position going into the start f next season.