Friday, March 29, 2024

Do Arsenal need another striker?

arsene-wenger is in need of a strikerArsenal losing striker Robin Van Persie was a disaster for the club. The Dutchman is a touch above all the other strikers in Arsene Wenger’s squad.

Lack of options

Arsenal really don’t have that many other options up front. They have Eduardo, who I think still hasn’t got back to his best since his awful injury. He is still decent but isn’t quite performing at the top of his game.

Then there is highly rated youngster Carlos Vela. The Mexican ace is already an international but only seems to play in the Carling Cup and FA Cup. He hasn’t been given many chances in the Premier League to prove his worth.

Then there is Danish striker Nicklas Bendtner. However the 21 year-old has been playing as a winger this season. There are big doubts whether he is good enough to play in the top flight. English starlet Theo Walcott has hardly played this season and people are also still wondering whether his best position is as a central striker or as a winger. For me he makes a better winger than a central striker.

Russian ace Andrey Arshavin is a superb player and a player I really enjoy watching. However he isnt exactly a striker either, hes better equip to play in the hole behind a main striker or as a playmaking central midfielder. Although he did play well as a central striker against Stoke at the weekend and produced a pretty impressive performance. He could be the answer in the short-term.

Lack of funds

Arsene Wenger seems to have a fight on his hands to bring in a decent striker. He has  limited transfer funds at his disposal. On the current striking situation he revealed:

“We’re at the beginning of December, if we are in the same situation with injuries in January then I will see.

“But we can’t dream too much of finding a world class player because that’s what is needed to strengthen our team. But they also need not to be European cup-tied and who is also free so we must hope Father Christmas is good to us!”

Wenger really doesn’t sound to confident of finding a decent new option for his attack. Unless a jolly fat man in a red suit falls down his chimney this Christmas with a striker, it doesn’t seem like Arsene will get what he wants at this festive time of the year!

Possible targets

There has been lots of names linked with the Gunners in recent weeks. A few of them have raised some eyebrows like former United ace Ruud Van Nistelrooy. A deal is very unlikely due to the fact he was involved in some major spats with the Gunners during his time at Old Trafford.

The veteran striker wants to leave Real Madrid after falling down the pecking order. He has appeared for Los Blancos in the Champions League which by Wenger’s own admission is a key criteria in signing a striker. At 33 he is nearing the end of his career and Wenger would rather sign younger players.

Another player who has been linked with the Gunners is Wolfsburg striker Edin Dzeko. The Bosnian international is highly rated and wanted by a host of other clubs including Manchester United, AC Milan and Chelsea. He could also prove to be out of Arsenal’s price range. He is also European cup-tied, so that is also a negative.

West Ham striker Carlton Cole probably fits Arsenal’s bill perfectly. However with West Ham currently struggling up front and lacking attacking options its hard to see them selling their main attacking threat. Cole has improved immensely over the last season and a half or so and I believe if Arsenal could prise him away he would be a good buy.

Good for top three

Even without signing another striker and the lack of Van Persie, Arsenal will probably still manage to finish in the top three. They have a lot of good attacking midfielders such Cesc Fabregas, Samir Nasri, Andrey Arshavin and Thomas Rosicky all capable of chipping with a few goals.

Then there is the young midfielders coming through at the club with the likes of Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere both looking to break into the first team squad on a regular basis. They should be fine until the summer, when Wenger may get a bit more cash to spend and won’t have to worry about things like players being cup-tied.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

David Nugent


David is a freelance football writer with nearly a decade of experience writing about the beautiful game. The experienced writer has written for over a dozen websites and also an international soccer magazine offline.
Arguably his best work has come as an editorial writer for Soccernews, sharing his good, bad and ugly opinions on the world’s favourite sport. During David’s writing career he has written editorials, betting previews, match previews, banter, news and opinion pieces.

SHARE OR COMMENT ON THIS ARTICLE

WE RECOMMEND

  • FHIER COOL

    0 0

    arsenal harus cari striker sperti terry hanry…..klo pun purlu terry hnry di tarik kembali dari barcelona.
    karna arsenal butuh sosok striker sperti hanry….
    yang pasti gw yakin klo wanger pasti bakal dapat beli pemain sperti sosok terry hanry.

    sampai kapan pun dan dimana pun..gw tetep fans berat ARSENAL TITIK

  • ALGooner

    0 0

    Sergio Aguero…… Expensive but then quality is……

    They got some spare cash… We need a Big player, we have enough raw young talent…

  • Brad

    0 0

    oh there’s a thought, Podolski. Good player there. Carlton Cole. . . he is good, but he is injured so he cant play.

  • Bob

    0 0

    If fabiano decides to live sevilla arsene should not waste anytime signing him.arsenal needs a striker and have good suggestion:PODOSKI. CLeague experienced and very talented

  • Bob

    0 0

    Suggestions:c.cole,elmender,kißong,hazard,gervinho,saviola(experienced striker).just suggestions.and one thing arsenal need tell players.

  • Brad

    0 0

    Yeah you never know if Davies goes to London. Lets hope, if he does, he recovers and comes back strong (I seem to be saying that a lot now) and shows even Wenger just how good he is. . . but the 4/8 months is certainly dull his skill for a while. I couldnt stand going that long without practicing my football skills.

  • gooner-11

    0 0

    I think 4 to 8 months is too long of a wait for someone to replace RVP until April (fingers crossed that he is actually back for April) so I would doubt Charlie Davies goes to London, but who knows.

    Chamack is a good player, great with his head, but he is not amazing by any means, and why would Bordeaux sell him right before their Champions League Knockout Stage when they probably need him the most? They were asking double what Arsenal wanted to buy him for. He is not eligable to play in the Champions league for anyone anyways.
    The ONLY thing that I could see lending any hope to this is the fact that his contract is up, so he goes for free at the end of the season, but, the player himself does not want to leave until the end of the season.

  • Brad

    0 0

    Oh wait. One more striker I just thought of: how about Charlie Davies?

    I know he is American, and out injured from that frightful car accident for another four to eight months, but he does fairly good. . . Wenger should consider him.

  • Brad

    0 0

    Oh someone actually says Merry Christmas like they’re supposed to instead that ridiculous Happy Holidays. . . off topic, my bad.

    If chamack does go to Emirates Stadium then he would be a good striker to watch. I’ve seen him a good 2/3 times and he aint done too badly. I think I saw him score an excellent goal from outside the 18 yard box once. . . cant remember exactly whether or not that was him or some other guy. . . you can tell I dont watch French Ligue 1 that much.

  • ARSENE WENGER

    0 0

    Don’t worry guys the Chamack is coming in this winter period transfer.
    Just says WE TRUST IN WENGER , enjoy boys and merry cristmas .

  • gooner-11

    0 0

    haha, there is no way Chamack is coming.

  • Brad

    0 0

    haha. . .
    Go ahead and make the call, but David’s right, learn to spell the target’s name before you do. haha. . .

  • David Nugent

    0 0

    Well Arsene my advice to you would be learn how to spell your transfer targets before making any phone calls!

  • ARSENE WENGER

    0 0

    The perfect striker for my teams is Marouane Chamack from Bordeaux , that’s is my plan for this period winter transfer.
    So enjoy boys and go gunners .

  • Brad

    0 0

    He could be, dont really know much of the Eredivisie teams though.

  • tico

    0 0

    Bryan Ruiz from FC Twente is a great option

  • fc london

    0 0

    lads,
    was really hoping that arsenals top youth prospect(vela) would step up and be accounted for but looks like he needs more time….i think wenger should go for his top number two prospect that young half american half england teenager….he was unreal at the youth championship in switzerland few years back and has been banging in goals form everywhere in the reserves…even scored the perfect hat rick last week….alan shearer spoke last week that he will rightly take his place as the premiers top marksman…..tommy higgins time to step up….

  • Brad

    0 0

    exactly, no sense at all. “Please put off your hands on a keypad.”
    No offense, Bright Stongwa, but that didnt make any sense.

    TO GET BACK ON TOPIC:

    Arsenal NEEDS another striker. They have been doing very well this season without as strong a nucleus of strikers you would expect out of a member of the Big 4, but no doubt they would do better if they had a few more world class attackers. . .

  • premosindon

    0 0

    Yessssssssss Arsenal needs a striker very much, if they want to win the premier league title, because i dont know why Arsene Wenger dont want to buy players, he keep on fans story we tell, that he believe on the boys, we need men not boys as strikers, Arsene wenger should spend money as every other clubs do spend, how can we win cup if you dont invest on players-

  • gooner-11

    0 0

    haha, what??

  • Bright Stongwa

    0 0

    if you are not a gunners fan and you have nothing good to say on arsenal, please put off your hands on a keypad.

  • Chelsea FC Fan

    0 0

    haha…there is a lot of truth to his sarcasm…

    and Arshavin is looking very effective at attacking and playing Striker…he looks ready as ever to take on the role…I think Wenger may be on to something here…

    i’m so convinced that i’m considering dropping Fab for Arshavin in my fantasy line-up…have to think this through tho…

  • gooner-11

    0 0

    Here is a new Wenger Quote you may enjoy:
    “Let’s not dream. You must be a magician to go out there today and buy a player who can play in the Champions League, who is free and who has top world-class quality.”

  • Chelsea FC Fan

    0 0

    LMAO…that is really funny (Wenger on ‘filling RVP’s shoes’)…

    I feel for Wenger…tough situation for him, as it would be for anyone. But, this is what makes great coaches great – they find ways to continuously manage, sustain and progress the team. He may not do it overnight, but i’m sure he’ll get it done.

    I agree that the Ade situation was a little different, hence my ‘mixed’ feelings. I thought Wenger was doing well with him but there were other factors influencing the Ade situation as well. Either way tho, it seemed like Wenger just gave up on him.

  • gooner-11

    0 0

    No worries, Brad. I’m not 100% sure that’s what he means though…

    It’s a good point about Wenger possibly being unable to manage Abebayor as well as he maybe could have, though crowd was all over Ade last year and when you saw him sulking around, never helping defend, and then going offside more than anyone else in the EPL, you have to see their point at least a little. He also had tiffs with the other strikers – one with Bendtner during a match… so it’s hard to say, esp. when Ade says Wenger suggested it would be good for him to leave.

    Yea, Balotelli is so hit and miss… sometimes he looks horrible out there other times, he is unreal. Good example is yesterdays match with Inter v Rubin Kazan, he hit that free kick perfectly for his goal, though had he not scored, he could have been called out on many bad decisions…
    Also, he couldnt play for Arsenal in the champions league anymore this season, so I doubt he is even being considered as an option.

    I can’t find the Wenger interview on this one, but it’s funny, he says something like, “you want me to find a player who can fill RVPs shoes, is world class and is not already playing in the Europa or Champions leagues? you have my number, text me if you find someone”

  • Brad

    0 0

    I second that, CFC Fan. . . no offense, gooner 11, but it is my opinion, I hope you respect that.

    But when it comes to Balotelli, I think he would do better under Wenger than anyone else. As CFC Fan said: “Work-horse with the heart of a lion”. That fits in well with Van Persie, Balotelli, and even Ade (a hell of a lot more than the former two put together, at that!)

  • Chelsea FC Fan

    0 0

    I have mixed feelings about that…

    Look at Ade!

  • gooner-11

    0 0

    Wenger does well with young players who have attitudes…
    look at RVP!

  • Chelsea FC Fan

    0 0

    What’s up with Balotelli’s attitude? I love it…He brings fire every second he is on the pitch…I probably don’t see him as much as you guys do, but I don’t think he is suited for Arsenal…Dzeko, yes – Chamakh, yes – Cole, I don’t think so…Arsenal’s style is so fluid that you need a playmaking striker…I think Balotelli is highly talented, but not a playmaker…he does remind me of Rooney a lot though…a work-horse with the heart of a lion.

    Wenger needs a blank cheque to go pick up who he wants…he’s played within constraints for a long time now. It’s great for the club, but they need that little extra something to get over the hump right now.

  • MasterJohn4arsenal

    0 0

    without any hesitation, the answer is capital letters Y – E – S = YES, we need to sign another striker, but not Balotelli, his attitude has a question mark (?).

  • Brad

    0 0

    David, you’re everywhere aint you? hehe.
    This is a good question. Arsenal are playing the best I have seen them play in quite a good while. But like gooner-11 says, they do need another striker. Balotelli, he definitely should get in with Arsene. I think he might do better under Wenger (or even Fergie, but that is off the topic so I aint going anywhere past here in that direction) instead of Mourinho. Walcott, he needs more time playing as a center forward instead of a winger. I’ve seen him play in both positions every now and then, but he only really produces goals or good plays when he is in the CF spot (it seems to me to be like that).

    But one thing I noticed a short while ago, is that it seems the defenders are better than the strikers at striking once every now and then. If that was to become a lot more common place, then Wenger might as well as get rid of his strikers and play the way France did in 98!

  • David Nugent

    0 0

    Yeah, I don’t think Balotelli is a bad option. He just needs to improve his attitude.

  • gooner-11

    0 0

    answer is yes, they do need something.should have taken Huntelaar…

    haha, Van Nistelrooy…Liverpool can have him so they can play MUFC and live him up against Michael Owen! Now that would be a laugh.

    forget about Dzeko – too much for Wenger, lack of funds – probably why Stan Kroenke looks to be slowly taking over.

    Cole would be perfect but WHam wont want to see him move across town.
    How about Balotelli? He is not eligible for Champions but, perhaps Arsene can teach this boy some class?

  • gooner-11

    0 0

    answer is yes, they do need something.should have taken Huntelaar…

    haha, Van Nistelrooy…Liverpool can have him so they can play MUFC and live him up against Michael Owen! Now that would be a laugh.

    forget about Dzeko – too much for Wenger, lack of funds – probably why Stan Kroenke looks to be slowly taking over.

    Cole would be perfect but WHam wont want to see him move across town.
    How about Balotelli? He is not eligible for Champions but, perhaps Arsene can teach this boy some class?

  • David Nugent

    0 0

    Yeah, I don’t think Balotelli is a bad option. He just needs to improve his attitude.

  • Brad

    0 0

    David, you’re everywhere aint you? hehe.
    This is a good question. Arsenal are playing the best I have seen them play in quite a good while. But like gooner-11 says, they do need another striker. Balotelli, he definitely should get in with Arsene. I think he might do better under Wenger (or even Fergie, but that is off the topic so I aint going anywhere past here in that direction) instead of Mourinho. Walcott, he needs more time playing as a center forward instead of a winger. I’ve seen him play in both positions every now and then, but he only really produces goals or good plays when he is in the CF spot (it seems to me to be like that).

    But one thing I noticed a short while ago, is that it seems the defenders are better than the strikers at striking once every now and then. If that was to become a lot more common place, then Wenger might as well as get rid of his strikers and play the way France did in 98!

  • MasterJohn4arsenal

    0 0

    without any hesitation, the answer is capital letters Y – E – S = YES, we need to sign another striker, but not Balotelli, his attitude has a question mark (?).

  • Chelsea FC Fan

    0 0

    What’s up with Balotelli’s attitude? I love it…He brings fire every second he is on the pitch…I probably don’t see him as much as you guys do, but I don’t think he is suited for Arsenal…Dzeko, yes – Chamakh, yes – Cole, I don’t think so…Arsenal’s style is so fluid that you need a playmaking striker…I think Balotelli is highly talented, but not a playmaker…he does remind me of Rooney a lot though…a work-horse with the heart of a lion.

    Wenger needs a blank cheque to go pick up who he wants…he’s played within constraints for a long time now. It’s great for the club, but they need that little extra something to get over the hump right now.

  • gooner-11

    0 0

    Wenger does well with young players who have attitudes…
    look at RVP!

  • Chelsea FC Fan

    0 0

    I have mixed feelings about that…

    Look at Ade!

  • Brad

    0 0

    I second that, CFC Fan. . . no offense, gooner 11, but it is my opinion, I hope you respect that.

    But when it comes to Balotelli, I think he would do better under Wenger than anyone else. As CFC Fan said: “Work-horse with the heart of a lion”. That fits in well with Van Persie, Balotelli, and even Ade (a hell of a lot more than the former two put together, at that!)

  • gooner-11

    0 0

    No worries, Brad. I’m not 100% sure that’s what he means though…

    It’s a good point about Wenger possibly being unable to manage Abebayor as well as he maybe could have, though crowd was all over Ade last year and when you saw him sulking around, never helping defend, and then going offside more than anyone else in the EPL, you have to see their point at least a little. He also had tiffs with the other strikers – one with Bendtner during a match… so it’s hard to say, esp. when Ade says Wenger suggested it would be good for him to leave.

    Yea, Balotelli is so hit and miss… sometimes he looks horrible out there other times, he is unreal. Good example is yesterdays match with Inter v Rubin Kazan, he hit that free kick perfectly for his goal, though had he not scored, he could have been called out on many bad decisions…
    Also, he couldnt play for Arsenal in the champions league anymore this season, so I doubt he is even being considered as an option.

    I can’t find the Wenger interview on this one, but it’s funny, he says something like, “you want me to find a player who can fill RVPs shoes, is world class and is not already playing in the Europa or Champions leagues? you have my number, text me if you find someone”

  • Chelsea FC Fan

    0 0

    LMAO…that is really funny (Wenger on ‘filling RVP’s shoes’)…

    I feel for Wenger…tough situation for him, as it would be for anyone. But, this is what makes great coaches great – they find ways to continuously manage, sustain and progress the team. He may not do it overnight, but i’m sure he’ll get it done.

    I agree that the Ade situation was a little different, hence my ‘mixed’ feelings. I thought Wenger was doing well with him but there were other factors influencing the Ade situation as well. Either way tho, it seemed like Wenger just gave up on him.

  • gooner-11

    0 0

    Here is a new Wenger Quote you may enjoy:
    “Let’s not dream. You must be a magician to go out there today and buy a player who can play in the Champions League, who is free and who has top world-class quality.”

  • Chelsea FC Fan

    0 0

    haha…there is a lot of truth to his sarcasm…

    and Arshavin is looking very effective at attacking and playing Striker…he looks ready as ever to take on the role…I think Wenger may be on to something here…

    i’m so convinced that i’m considering dropping Fab for Arshavin in my fantasy line-up…have to think this through tho…

  • Bright Stongwa

    0 0

    if you are not a gunners fan and you have nothing good to say on arsenal, please put off your hands on a keypad.

  • gooner-11

    0 0

    haha, what??

  • premosindon

    0 0

    Yessssssssss Arsenal needs a striker very much, if they want to win the premier league title, because i dont know why Arsene Wenger dont want to buy players, he keep on fans story we tell, that he believe on the boys, we need men not boys as strikers, Arsene wenger should spend money as every other clubs do spend, how can we win cup if you dont invest on players-

  • Brad

    0 0

    exactly, no sense at all. “Please put off your hands on a keypad.”
    No offense, Bright Stongwa, but that didnt make any sense.

    TO GET BACK ON TOPIC:

    Arsenal NEEDS another striker. They have been doing very well this season without as strong a nucleus of strikers you would expect out of a member of the Big 4, but no doubt they would do better if they had a few more world class attackers. . .

  • fc london

    0 0

    lads,
    was really hoping that arsenals top youth prospect(vela) would step up and be accounted for but looks like he needs more time….i think wenger should go for his top number two prospect that young half american half england teenager….he was unreal at the youth championship in switzerland few years back and has been banging in goals form everywhere in the reserves…even scored the perfect hat rick last week….alan shearer spoke last week that he will rightly take his place as the premiers top marksman…..tommy higgins time to step up….

  • tico

    0 0

    Bryan Ruiz from FC Twente is a great option

  • Brad

    0 0

    He could be, dont really know much of the Eredivisie teams though.

  • ARSENE WENGER

    0 0

    The perfect striker for my teams is Marouane Chamack from Bordeaux , that’s is my plan for this period winter transfer.
    So enjoy boys and go gunners .

  • David Nugent

    0 0

    Well Arsene my advice to you would be learn how to spell your transfer targets before making any phone calls!

  • Brad

    0 0

    haha. . .
    Go ahead and make the call, but David’s right, learn to spell the target’s name before you do. haha. . .

  • gooner-11

    0 0

    haha, there is no way Chamack is coming.

  • ARSENE WENGER

    0 0

    Don’t worry guys the Chamack is coming in this winter period transfer.
    Just says WE TRUST IN WENGER , enjoy boys and merry cristmas .

  • Brad

    0 0

    Oh someone actually says Merry Christmas like they’re supposed to instead that ridiculous Happy Holidays. . . off topic, my bad.

    If chamack does go to Emirates Stadium then he would be a good striker to watch. I’ve seen him a good 2/3 times and he aint done too badly. I think I saw him score an excellent goal from outside the 18 yard box once. . . cant remember exactly whether or not that was him or some other guy. . . you can tell I dont watch French Ligue 1 that much.

  • Brad

    0 0

    Oh wait. One more striker I just thought of: how about Charlie Davies?

    I know he is American, and out injured from that frightful car accident for another four to eight months, but he does fairly good. . . Wenger should consider him.

  • gooner-11

    0 0

    I think 4 to 8 months is too long of a wait for someone to replace RVP until April (fingers crossed that he is actually back for April) so I would doubt Charlie Davies goes to London, but who knows.

    Chamack is a good player, great with his head, but he is not amazing by any means, and why would Bordeaux sell him right before their Champions League Knockout Stage when they probably need him the most? They were asking double what Arsenal wanted to buy him for. He is not eligable to play in the Champions league for anyone anyways.
    The ONLY thing that I could see lending any hope to this is the fact that his contract is up, so he goes for free at the end of the season, but, the player himself does not want to leave until the end of the season.

  • Brad

    0 0

    Yeah you never know if Davies goes to London. Lets hope, if he does, he recovers and comes back strong (I seem to be saying that a lot now) and shows even Wenger just how good he is. . . but the 4/8 months is certainly dull his skill for a while. I couldnt stand going that long without practicing my football skills.

  • Bob

    0 0

    Suggestions:c.cole,elmender,kißong,hazard,gervinho,saviola(experienced striker).just suggestions.and one thing arsenal need tell players.

  • Bob

    0 0

    If fabiano decides to live sevilla arsene should not waste anytime signing him.arsenal needs a striker and have good suggestion:PODOSKI. CLeague experienced and very talented

  • Brad

    0 0

    oh there’s a thought, Podolski. Good player there. Carlton Cole. . . he is good, but he is injured so he cant play.

  • ALGooner

    0 0

    Sergio Aguero…… Expensive but then quality is……

    They got some spare cash… We need a Big player, we have enough raw young talent…

  • FHIER COOL

    0 0

    arsenal harus cari striker sperti terry hanry…..klo pun purlu terry hnry di tarik kembali dari barcelona.
    karna arsenal butuh sosok striker sperti hanry….
    yang pasti gw yakin klo wanger pasti bakal dapat beli pemain sperti sosok terry hanry.

    sampai kapan pun dan dimana pun..gw tetep fans berat ARSENAL TITIK

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This field is required *

Join the conversation!

or Register

Live Scores

advertisement

Betting Guide Advertisement

advertisement

Become a Writer
More More
Top