Why Arsenal have to beat Liverpool to this £24m transfer target:

There seems to have been a startling transformation of Arsenal fan opinion when it comes to French forward Olivier Giroud. Last month, most Arsenal fans would have been keen to tell you that Giroud wasn’t good enough to be a Gunner. That he didn’t have the mobility, or the nous to cut it in the Premier League. I do confess to hinting at this on this very site.

Well, he’s proved us all wrong. Sure, he’s got a long way to go before he’s ‘established’, but the signs are very promising. He has now scored 7 goals in 17 appearances and grabbed 4 assists. He’s been quietly effective this season and seems to be growing in stature with every passing game.

Despite this progress, there’s a lot of work to be done before Arsenal have well and truly ‘replaced’ Robin Van Persie. His exit last summer has left a big void upfront at Arsenal and Giroud can’t replace him alone. Given that Lukas Podolski has been thrust out wide and Theo Walcott’s future is uncertain, Wenger may have to take to the transfer market this January to try and find a solution.

Which brings me to the following rumour: according to talkSPORT, Arsenal (and Liverpool) are keeping tabs on Braga’s prolific striker, Ederzito Antonio Macedo Lopes (or Eder for short).

The 24-year-old has stood out in Portugal already this season, notching six goals in seven appearances. That’s an impressive strike-rate. He’s a powerful striker, who’s direct, has pace and the ability to beat his man. There’s more to him than just goals, but I’m sure his efficiency upfront will be a major draw to Arsene Wenger.

Liverpool, who are also interested are in desperate need of another striker. Luis Suarez has been holding the fort admirably, but can’t do it alone. He needs some help and Brendan Rodgers may consider Eder to be a good option.

The problem? Eder has a £24m release clause and it’s claimed that Braga wont be willing to accept offers much below this. It’s unlikely that Liverpool can afford this. Arsenal on the other hand have been hoarding cash for the last half decade and may well be ready to splash out.

He’s exactly the kind of player this Arsenal side needs. They have the cash. So let’s hope that this January sees Arsene Wenger loosening the purse strings.

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

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