How this January transfer could help get Arsenal back on track AND who he should replace:

Here’s a strange one: Emirates 24/7 claim that Marouane Fellaini could ‘be the answer to flop Giroud’. Huh? What kind of question are they asking to get that answer?

Let’s explore the claim. Olivier Giroud is a striker. He has some pedigree. He was the top scorer in Ligue 1 last season. He led Montpellier to the French title.

Sure he has been slow to get started in his Arsenal career, but he has shown signs that he can succeed at the club. He currently has notched up 3 goals and 4 assists in 14 appearances. The truth is not so much that he’s a flop, but that he’s part of a side that has flopped.

In each game he gets very little service. The pressure on him to score from every opportunity is immense. When (and if) Arsenal improve, I’m sure we’ll see Giroud improve in turn.

I’m not blind to the fact that Arsenal need to improve in most areas. I just think the idea that Fellaini could be a replacement for Giroud is laughable.

Fellaini is a midfielder. The main point of comparison must surely be his height and his power, but the fact that they play in completely different areas of the pitch is a bit of a sticking point.

What’s more, Fellaini, despite being 6’ 4”, has great technique. He’s so much more than just a powerhouse. Whilst he’s great in the air and physically tough, his main strength lies in his tricky feet, smart passing and direct attacking style.

At 24-years-old, he’s just about to enter the best stage of his career. We’ve all seen what he can do there are sure to be plenty of takers for the big Belgian during the January transfer window. But I hope that its Arsenal who win his signature.

Not as a replacement for Giroud, but as replacements for Abou Diaby and Tomas Rosicky, who are almost always injured and never manage to contribute. On the rare occasions we see these players, they’re usually sloppy after so long out the game. They may make 3-4 appearances only to pick up another long-term injury. It’s not good enough and Arsenal need more options if they are to seriously compete in this league.

Fellaini can help grant Arsenal the strength they need in midfield, working alongside Wilshere to win the ball and drive forward. He has all the qualities necessary to be a re-sounding success. Let’s hope Arsene can tempt Everton to sell.

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

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