Ranking 5 Strikers Arsenal Should Target in 2016 Summer Transfer Window
This summer, Arsenal will be in the market for a new centre-forward. According to Jeremy Wilson of the Telegraph, that position is one of the two remaining priorities for Gunners manager Arsene Wenger after the addition of Swiss midfielder Granit Xhaka.
It seems Arsene Wenger has grown somewhat frustrated with Olivier Giroud, who endured a 15-game barren spell in the second half of last season. In truth, Theo Walcott’s form across that period wasn’t much better. Furthermore, Danny Welbeck's serious knee injury means the Gunners are short of options. A new centre-forward must be found.
In this piece, we identify and rank five strikers the Gunners should focus their attention on in the transfer window. Go to the next slide to begin the countdown.
5. Vincent Janssen
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Securing a world-class striker will not be a straightforward process—Arsenal haven’t managed it for several summers. It may be that the Gunners have to move for a player who is not yet at that level but has the potential to become an elite goalscorer.
Vincent Janssen could fit the bill. Sami Mokbel of MailOnline suggested the Gunners are already tracking the 21-year-old Dutch forward, who enjoyed an outstanding season with AZ Alkmaar in the Eredivisie. According to WhoScored.com, Janssen has scored 27 goals in 32 league starts. His ascent has been both dramatic and impressive.
His strengths are his remarkable two-footedness and the intelligence of his movement. His hardworking and clinical style is somewhat reminiscent of Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane—as is his unexpectedly swift development.
If Arsenal were to sign Janssen, they would have to accept he might not hit the ground running. There’s also an unfortunate history of prolific goalscorers from Dutch football failing to replicate that sort of efficiency in England—Mateja Kezman, Afonso Alves and Dirk Kuyt to name but three.
However, Arsene Wenger does typically prefer to make stars rather than buy them. He may see Janssen—who, like former Arsenal attacker Robin van Persie, began his career with Feyenoord—as a great opportunity to mould a captivating talent.
4. Alexandre Lacazette
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Arsene Wenger has a terrific record of working with quick French strikers: Thierry Henry and Nicolas Anelka both flourished under his tutelage. If we wants another forward in that mould, he could do worse than look at Lyon’s Alexandre Lacazette.
According to Jack de Menezes of the Independent, West Ham United have already seen a £31 million bid for the striker rebuffed. However, Arsenal have the resources to go beyond that fee and meet Lyon’s requirements.
It’s easy to see why clubs are clamouring to sign Lacazette. After scoring 27 Ligue 1 goals in 2014/15, he followed up with another 21 last season. The only player in French football to outscore him across that period was Paris Saint-Germain’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic—the 34-year-old Swede is surely too old and too volatile to interest Wenger.
Lacazette’s speed would bring some much-needed mobility to the Arsenal attack. He’s also capable of playing from the flank, as well as through the middle. Wenger loves that kind of versatility, so he might be tempted to return to his homeland for his next centre-forward.
3. Romelu Lukaku
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If Arsenal want a striker with a proven Premier League track record, Romelu Lukaku is their man.
It sounds as though the Belgium international is gearing up to leave Goodison Park this summer. Lukaku has told Joe Short of the Express: "I'm at a point where I have to make a good career choice. We have a new investor at Everton and out of courtesy I will listen to what he has to say. But I have my own ideas in mind. I want to win titles. I have had a very good season, but it is time for me to write myself a CV. That is why I play football."
He won’t be short of potential suitors. Squawka shows Lukaku bagged 18 goals in 37 league appearances for an Everton side struggling in the lower half of the table in the recently concluded season. A player of Lukaku’s quality deserves to be playing UEFA Champions League football, and Arsenal could offer that, as well as an improved pay packet.
He would bring great athleticism to the Arsenal attack. Despite his size (6'4"), it sometimes feels as if Olivier Giroud is bullied by opposition defenders. Not so with Lukaku, who has the power to barrel his way through most defences. His technical level is underrated too, and when he's on form, he is composed in front of goal.
Under Arsene Wenger, Lukaku could develop into one of the world’s most feared forwards.
2. Gonzalo Higuain
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Arsenal were first linked with a move for Gonzalo Higuain back in 2013, when the Argentina international was still with Real Madrid. Back then, Side Lowe of the Guardian reported the striker was “on the verge” of joining the Gunners, with a medical planned.
Instead, Higuain joined Napoli. In Serie A, he has gone from strength to strength. Last season, he shattered a 66-year-old record when he netted 36 times in an Italian league season. Three years after they first missed out, it may be time for the Gunners to return for the one that got away.
It seems Higuain might be open to a move. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t the Sun), he is attempting to get his release clause lowered from £72 million to £47 million to facilitate a transfer.
Higuain’s age may count against him—he turns 29 in December. However, he still has a couple of years at his peak. Arsenal may have to accept they will not be able to recruit a top-class centre-forward with significant residual value.
1. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
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Arsenal’s No. 1 transfer target should be Borussia Dortmund striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. He has all the key attributes they’re looking for: He’s tall—measuring up at 6'1"—athletic, quick and intelligent. He’s also a ruthless finisher. Squawka shows he bagged 25 Bundesliga goals in just 31 appearances in the most recent season. He’s more than just a goalscorer too, as his five assists demonstrate.
Arsenal are reported well aware of his talents. French outlet Le10 Sport (h/t the Mirror) said the Gunners are prepared to do whatever it takes to lure him to north London. He wouldn’t be cheap—Le10 Sport believe they would have to bid as much as £63.2 million to land a player who is under contract in Germany until 2020.
Aubameyang has everything required to be a huge star in the Premier League. Arsenal just need to push the boat out to get their man.
Which striker do you think Arsenal should sign this summer? Let us know in the comments section below.
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