What’s the best way to replace Robin Van Persie at Arsenal? How about by bringing in his competition at an International level, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar?
Whilst Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud were brought to the Emirates last summer, to try and ease the transition, I’m not sure it’s enough.
Lukas Podolski is clearly a top class finisher, but he’s been pushed out onto the left wing and hasn’t had any really opportunity to play in his favoured position.
Olivier Giroud, on the other hand has been slower to adapt to the Premier League. Whilst he’s finally starting to look a little more effective in the last month or so, it’s clear that there are limitations to his game.
He’s never going to outpace a defender, or beat his man with a piece of trickery. He’s a great header of the ball, but doesn’t seem to have a good touch or range of passing (although I recognize this isn’t so important for strikers).
I don’t think Arsene Wenger ever really believed these two would be sufficient to replace Van Persie. I think he was just biding his time until the right player became available. And Huntelaar is surely the ‘right’ player.
According to the Daily Star, Arsenal are now the favourites to sign the highly-regarded Dutchman. They have quotes from former Holland star Erik Meijer, who says: “According to the information I have, Huntelaar will be gone in the winter, Arsenal are the favourites to land him.”
Though Meijer doesn’t reveal his source, these claims do have a certain ring of truth to them. It’s clear Arsenal need a striker and Arsene Wenger is always on the hunt for a bargain. Given that Huntelaar has refused to sign a new contract with his current club, Schalke 04 and that he’ll be available as a free transfer next summer, I’m sure the Bundesliga side will be keen to get rid of him for a cut-price fee.
We all know what Huntelaar can offer in terms of goal-scoring prowess. He’s the kind of player that tends to get written off by fans and pundits alike, for not having enough variation to his game, but he’s actually something of a marvel. To maintain such a level of consistency throughout his career is deserving of praise. He is the real deal.
Suffice to say, he’s a player who would improve Arsenal significantly. Here’s hoping Arsene snaps him up.
What’s your take? Can Arsenal win the race for Huntelaar?
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Go for it Arsene, he is much better than your flops Chamak And Park.