I think it’s fair to say that the Premier League’s three most prominent London-based clubs all need strikers. I don’t know how it’s happened, but Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham have all managed to wind up with limited options in the centre-forward department.
Let’s focus on Arsenal and Tottenham, who could become embroiled in a transfer battle this summer.
The Gunners only really have Olivier Giroud upfront, who is a workman-like if unspectacular striker. Yes, he’s scored 22 goals this season, but he’s also slow and a little cumbersome.
Spurs have Emmanuel Adebayor who’s deeply inconsistent and probably isn’t a long-term option. Then there’s Roberto Soldado, who has been an unmitigated disaster in his first season in the Premier League. I hope he’ll improve next year, but I won’t be holding my breath.
Is it any wonder then, that this North London duo are both set to enter a transfer battle for Real Madrid’s talented young striker, Alvaro Morata? (Soutce: The Metro)
Arsenal were interested in Morata throughout the January transfer window, but a proposed deal fell through when Madrid were unable to find a replacement. Atsene Wenger is considering moving back in for the £12m youngster this summer, but he’ll now face competition from Spurs, Juventus and Inter Milan.
In other words, things have just got a lot harder for Arsenal.
Morata has made 23 appearances in La Liga this season (most of which were as a substitute) and has scored 8 goals. To better reflect his ability, it may be better to note that there’s an average 72 minute gap between all his goals this season. Not bad, eh?
What’s more, he’s only 21-years-old. He may not be the complete package, but he’s a very compelling option. It’s easy to see why both Arsenal and Tottenham are interested.
I’m sure if the Spaniard in question were to have his pick, he’d opt for Arsenal. The Gunners have more pedigree than Spurs and are currently in a position where they’re a lot more likely to win silverware over the next couple of years.
If Arsene Wenger’s able to conjure up enough cash, he should be able to pip Spurs to the post here. Either way, it’ll be fascinating to watch this one play out.
What’s your take? Where does Alvaro Morata’s future lie?
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