Ask Arsenal fans where the weakness lies in their team and I’m 90% sure that they’ll tell you it’s with their forwards (the 10% is because it’s clear there are problems elsewhere – the Gunners definitely need an experience goalkeeper too).
They’ve scored just one goal in their last three games, an odd return for an Arsene Wenger side. The solitary goal, Mikel Arteta’s against QPR was the result of a goal-mouth scramble. Hardly the sort of confident forward play that Arsenal are renowned for.
Selling Robin Van Persie was always going to have an effect on the side. I think it’s had a larger one than anybody could have expected. Arsenal have no focal point, no one who can hold up the ball and nobody who has taken responsibility for scoring regularly this season. As a result, it’s hard for Arsenal to keep the ball in the opposition half and they are now extremely susceptible to the counter-attack.
I hate to join the rest of the world in criticizing Olivier Giroud (his header to set-up Arteta on Saturday was impressive) but I’m not sure he’s cut out to be Arsenal’s main man. Whilst I think he has a role in this Arsenal side, I think Arsene Wenger should be looking for a world-class talent to play upfront.
Which brings me to Karim Benzema, who Arsenal have been linked to in the past (Source: The Metro). Since joining Real Madrid, Karim has proven his credentials as a goal-scorer. Indeed, he seems absolutely unstoppable in front of goal. Last season he grabbed 32 goals (and 15 assists) in 52 performances. He already has 3 goals and 4 assists this season. He’s a statistical wonder.
He’s also cemented a role in the French first team, where his goals-to-game ratio isn’t quite as impressive. Still, I can’t help but wish it was Benzema that Arsene went after last summer, not Olivier Giroud. The benefit of hindsight is a wonderful thing, but it’s clear how much pedigree he has in comparison to Giroud.
One was tried and tested in La Liga, the other in Ligue 1. There’s a big gulf in class there. At just 24-years-old, Benzema is about to enter the best years of his career. Whoever snaps him up now, will secure a massive victory. Arsenal will have to smash their transfer record to persuade Real Madrid to sell, but I can’t help but hope they do it.
What’s your take? Can Arsenal afford Karim Benzema?
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Guy pls be realistic. Haba!
my own of matter goes like this. this is the second time Arsenal the Manager called the attention of Karim Bezenma but no response from him, the third time still the MANAGER called on him and he said am still commit to Real Madrid no going back do you think he will change from his previous comment,why not find the striker somewhere forget about Karim is not ready to come down to LONDON to play his game. I just one you to look up yesterday Match between us and Reading as a Manager what do you observed on the match that`s why we are calling to you,you should find a finisher during the January window Transfer.Let they fans in join the beautiful performances from the players..
If only wishes were horses, every one would ride. Wenger sold the player he took seven years to mould into a world star only to replace him with a player who is not proven in the epl and expected life to go on as usual. We are tired of being taken for a ride. Why couldn’t he go for a similar player? Where did he take the cash? How long will we go trophyless?