Why Arsenal may have to dive back into the transfer market for this unique talent:

Selling Robin Van Persie would create a rather large void in any team. For Arsenal, a club that was almost entirely reliant on his goals, it’s only natural that they should struggle to replace him. Of course, Arsene Wenger did launch a pre-emptive strike by signing both Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud. But it’s not clear that these two individuals (talented as I think they are) are capable of replacing the Dutchman.

Swapping Alex Song for Santi Cazorla was a masterstroke (yes I realize it was hardly a like-for-like swap, but nonetheless…) but RVP has been tougher to replace. Indeed, the Gunners failed to grab a goal before their third fixture this season.

Olivier Giroud, former Montpellier striker (and Ligue 1 top scorer last season) has found it particularly hard to make the transition. Three games, no goals, and two big missed opportunities. We’re used to seeing Giroud with his arms on his head, looking rueful, we’re not used to seeing him celebrate.

Yes, he may well grab a goal and watch his career take off as a result. The likelihood is, however, that Arsenal will be on the lookout for another striker this January. So who may they look to bring in?

Primary amongst the list of candidates must surely be Atletico Madrid’s wantaway striker, Fernando Llorente. Could Arsene Wenger grant him the exit route he seems to crave?

According to talkSPORT, Arsenal and Liverpool are hot on the tail of the Spaniard (along with Juventus and Barcelona). The 27-year-old will see his Madrid contract expire next summer, so there’s a good chance his club will seek to sell him whilst they could still get some cash out of the sale. As a result, one of these clubs could pick up a top player at a bargain price.

Given Arsenal’s need and Arsene Wenger’s sudden reliance on Spanish players, I can’t help but hope the club make a move for him. The one sticking point may be his wages, but given the fact that the Gunners sold RVP this summer and are looking to shift others on, there should be some flexibility in the wage system at the club.

The tall, powerful and dynamic could well be the player that Giroud purports to be (but has yet to prove on the football pitch). It’s hard to see him struggling to adapt. Let’s hope that we see Llorente in the Premier League soon.

What’s your take? Would Llorente be a smart addition at the Emirates?

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