As Arsenal attempt to keep pace in the battle for a top four finish, it’s becoming more and more clear that they will have to take to the January transfer market if they are to stand a chance of beating the likes of Tottenham, Everton and Chelsea to the pip.
It’s one of the major challenges of Arsene Wenger’s career and if he’s going to overcome it, he’ll need to make smart choices this January.
Let’s not forget: it was Arsene Wenger who sold Robin Van Persie last summer (whatever the justification) so it’s up to him to right this wrong and make Arsenal a dynamic force upfront once more.
And it looks like he’s already attempted to do this. According to Goal.com, the Gunners have tabled a bid for Atletico Madrid striker Adrian Lopez.
The Spanish forward has a release clause of £14.7m written into his contract, but Arsenal are believed to have offered Madrid only £10m. Isn’t that just typical of Arsene Wenger?
The La Liga side are likely to hold out for more money, but given the fact that he’s currently not getting much game time with them, they’re surely willing and ready to sell.
Adrian isn’t the only Spanish striker the Gunners have been linked to. As the Goal.com article notes, Arsenal have also made enquiries for Barcelona’s David Villa and Fernando Llorente. Out of these three, I believe that Adrian will fit in best at the Emirates.
Villa is now 31-years-old and would be an expensive signing, especially considering he has little to no re-sale value. Arsene Wenger is notorious for favouring youth and may well prefer to look elsewhere.
Fernando Llorente is a fantastic Spanish forward, but he’s a striker in the strong, stocky and physical mould. He’s too similar to Olivier Giroud and not really an ‘Arsenal type’ player.
On the other hand, you get the feeling that Adrian could turn out to be a rather special talent if placed in the right environment. At 24-years-old, he’s about to enter the peak stage of his career. He’s an agile forward (who has also played out on the wing), takes up good positions and can knock the ball around nicely.
He’s also a natural goal-scorer. Last season he put away 18 goals and has scored twice in 6 starts this year.
So there it is: Arsenal are in need of a striker and Adrian is in need of a new home. He’s one of the best options available in the Gunners price-range and Arsene Wenger may just be able to snap up a bargain.
What’s your take? Who would you rather have at the Emirates: Llorente, Adrian or Villa?
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I would go for Villa regardless of his age, is Arteta not the same age but Adrian is probably a better fit for the team as he is much younger and could be in the team for years to come.
Arsene Wenger should go for Adrian Lopez, and he should be fast about it before the likes of Chelsea or Liverpool grab the guy.
With 12mil the Deal should be wrap up. And ensure Walcott sign too.
arsenal need all three, and also strengthe the entire squad with depth,as a top team cannot play the same players without a rest.Having only one player for a position is what is killing AFC.