When questioned recently about whether Arsenal were still on the hunt for targets, Arsene Wenger responded: “Up front we don’t need any more”. Cue the groans of thousands of Arsenal fans.
Don’t get me wrong. Signing Alexis Sanchez is a massive step forward for The Gunners. His versatility (and ability) will likely prove to be a real boon for Arsenal. But if he’s deployed out on the wings, as may well be the case, then The Gunners will be in exactly the same position that they were in last year.
They’ll be left with Olivier Giroud, their lumpy, sluggish, French centre-forward as their lone striker. Didn’t last season prove that they need more options in this department? What if Alexis Sanchez gets injured? What if Giroud gets injured?
Do The Gunners really have as many options as Wenger seems to think?
This brings me to Arsenal’s proposed interest in AC Milan’s gifted centre-forward, Mario Balotelli. According The Mirror, ‘Arsene Wenger is known to be considering the livewire forward to strengthen his squad’. That contradicts Wenger’s earlier comments, but there you are.
The source also carries quotes for AC Milan chief, Adriano Galliani who clarified the club’s position: “There’s no offer from Arsenal. But would €20million (£15.8m) be enough? Well without an offer there is no point talking about hypotheses.”
Interestingly, Galliani doesn’t exactly laugh off that figure. Does this suggest that it’s in the ballpark of what Milan would want in order to agree a deal?
Whilst Arsenal’s lack of interest is disappointing, it’s not too late to join the chase for Mario Balotelli. This is a striker who has scored 30 goals in 54 appearances for AC Milan. He’s already picked up 30 caps for the Italian international side and he’s just 23-years-old.
He’s a world-class talent who wouldn’t be out of place at The Emirates. Given that he could be available at a bargain price, why can’t The Gunners swoop for just one more striker?
What’s your take? Could Arsenal still be in the market for another striker? Would Mario Balotelli be a good addition to their squad?
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arsenal must look for another good striker if we are to compete with our rivals.
The gunners need one more upfront reliable, stronger and talented striker if we need to compete for the trouphy this season. I think Mario can be the one.
He is good no doubt. We have lacked that forceful spirit in the team. But as for the statistics, let understand that this guy scored many penalties and that has made the figures look impressive. If we can’t find a way to keep him happy, and motivated then let’s not touch him. He either joins for straight cash or he stays back in Milan. We can’t afford to swap any player for him to make the move.
Get mario,wenger should be held accountable if we fail to bury teams because of giroud,depth is the key to success,also a dm is needed,always being cheap,but gets himself a massive contract.
Get us khedira or lars bender.. one goalkeeper and center back…don’t sell anyone at the moment. We would be good to go.
Please wenger! Get mario becoz you won’t lay on giroud as the strike becoz we know that with giroud you can win the barcaly permiership leaguea
Balotelli was and should be a fall back option at Arsenal. He’s a superb talent, but risky. With Arsenal signing Sanchez and perhaps keeping Campbell home, with Giroud and either Akpom or Sanogo in reserve, Arsenal have enough up front. Another striker would be nice; Arsenal would have signed Remy if his wage demands hadn’t been so high, but Campbell offers similar quality. From the pre-season American tour, it looks like Akpom might get his shot at first-team minutes. Looking forward to seeing him against Red Bulls on Saturday.
I’d agree that Khedira would be a major step forward for Arsenal in terms of both quality and intent, but unsettling their newest signing by paying a DM more than Alexis Sanchez is probably not a good idea. An £20 million fee and wages of £150,000 per week is excessive. Arsenal would probably sign Khedira if he was willing to accept something in the £110,000 – £125,0000 range.