Why Arsenal have to beat Manchester City to this contract rebel:

Despite Arsene Wenger’s unwillingness to explain his decision, his substitution of Olivier Giroud for Francis Coquelin may well come to sum Arsenal’s season up. For all their huff and puff, the Gunners have lacked firepower upfront. The fact that Arsene had little choice but to take off his only recognized striker and replace him with a defensive midfielder, is telling.

Replacing Robin Van Persie during the last transfer window was always likely to be a difficult challenge. On the basis of the first third of this season, Arsene Wenger has failed to do so. Whilst Olivier Giroud has grown into his role in the Premier League, he lacks the flair, touch and understanding of the Dutchman. It’s like comparing a chocolate éclair to a soufflé. One’s thick and stodgy, whilst the other is ultimately more satisfying.

Bad comparisons aside, it’s clear that this Arsenal team need further inspiration upfront. It’s little wonder that Arsene Wenger has cut such a frustrated figure in recent times. But it’s up to him to take to the transfer market this January and put things right.

The Gunners have been linked to a good number of strikers already this season and there are a few good candidates. The best of the options available to Arsenal, however, must surely be Athletic Bilbao’s ace striker Fernando Llorente.

His contract with Bilbao will run down at the end of next summer and he’ll be available on a free transfer. Negotiations over new terms have broken down and Bilbao will surely be keen to sell the lanky forward whilst they can still get a return. The 27-year-old seems to have already admitted that the end is near. Speaking about his lack of goals this season, Llorente noted: “Hopefully I can get a few goals by the end. The more the merrier – and I’d like to leave the team as high in the table as I can.” (Source: talkSPORT).

Llorente has struggled to nab goals this season because Athletic have tried to avoid playing a man who clearly has no long-term future in the club. He admits to ‘lacking luck’ this year, but it’s clear that the talent is still there.

talkSPORT note that Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool are all keen on bringing Fernando to the Premier League. He’s about to enter the best years of his playing career and will be available for cheap this January. Given the Gunners current situation, surely the time is right to snap him up?

They’re likely to face staunch competition from the likes of City, but Arsene can offer the Spaniard regular game-time and an opportunity to compete in the Champions League (something neither Liverpool, nor City can offer). Let’s hope Wenger makes it happen!

What’s your take? Should Arsenal snap up want-away Spanish star, Fernando Llorente?

Please follow @ThePerfectPass for more football related action!

Introducing the neat little app that’ll pay you to view content tailored to your interests:

ThisisFutbol.com are seeking new writers to join the team! If you’re passionate about football, drop us a line at “thisisfutbol.com@snack-media.com” to learn more.