Despite a brief flirtation with Julian Draxler, the young German midfielder who has risen to prominence over the last 18 months or so, it’s clear that Arsene Wenger’s main priority this January is to sign a striker.
The Gunners have enough crafty midfielders to last them until the end of the season and beyond. With players like Mesut Ozil and Santi Cazorla yet to find their best form (though the Spaniard seems to be on his way back to his best), there’s still plenty more to come in this department, without Wenger having to resort to the transfer market.
Arsenal’s options aren’t so numerous upfront. The onus has fallen upon Olivier Giroud to produce the goods on a weekly basis and he’s done a good job. The Frenchman is due a lot of credit for the work he’s done this year, but it’s clear he needs a little more help. The Gunners need to be able to do something should he pick up an injury or lose his form. As things currently stand, they may end up having to rely on Nicklas Bendtner.
That’s damn near unconscionable.
Luckily, the Gunners have been linked to a couple of big January transfers. We’re talking about the kind of signings that could help Arsenal to drag themselves across the finishing line and earn the Premier League title.
The Mirror claims that Arsenal are in the market for both Diego Costa and Jackson Martinez.
Costa plays his football for Atletico Madrid, who he’s helped to fire up the La Liga table this season. His 23-goals have caught the eye of plenty of European suitors and that’s why he’s earned himself a price-tag of around £35m (according to The Mirror). That’s a lot of dosh.
Then there’s the physically tough FC Porto striker, Martinez. He too has been in fantastic form this season, scoring 15 goals in 21 games. In fact during his time in Portugal, he’s scored 49 times in 64 games, a truly remarkable return. The man is a genuine force in front of goal.
As for who would be the better option, I’d likely lean towards Costa. Whilst Jackson and Giroud share some similarities, Costa has more technical ability and flair than either of them. There’s an easy comparison to be made between him and Luis Suarez, thanks to their unpredictability and ability to offer up little moments of magic seemingly at will.
All that remains is to see whether Arsene Wenger is willing to shell out £35m.
What’s your take? Which of these two strikers do Arsenal need most?
Source: The Mirror
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I will go Costa
I will go for Costa