Why this £18m French ace is the perfect fit for Arsenal:

I think it’s fair to say that Arsenal’s problems this season began when they lost Theo Walcott to injury. Up until that point they had been coasting at the top of the Premier League table. Aaron Ramsey picked up an injury soon after and things soon began to unravel for The Gunners.

Without this dynamic duo, Arsenal were a much less impressive attacking force. Without Theo’s pace and Ramsey’s ingenuity, the club often struggled to break down tough defenses. What’s more, they started losing the ball more often in attacking positions and began to look more susceptible to the counter attack.

The lack of quality back-up options in this area (particularly when Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain also picked up an injury – great luck, eh?) cost Arsenal big time. That’s why I’d like to see The Gunners add some strength and depth down their wings this season.

Last week, The Mail ran a story suggesting that Arsenal are in the market for Real Sociedad’s wing-wizard Antoine Griezmann. The 23-year-old, who is in Didier Deschamp’s France World Cup squad (whilst players like Samir Nasri aren’t!), could set The Gunners back £18m. That price-tag demonstrates how Griezmann’s reputation has grown and grown over the last 12-18 months.

In the 2012/13 season, Griezmann played 35 times and scored 11 goals. This season he has upped the ante, playing 49 games (9 more times than any other season in his playing career)  and has found the back of the net 20 times. He’s a truly effective force and it’s little wonder that Arsenal are interested, particularly given his nationality.

The Mail also note that The Gunners will have to fight off attention from both Manchester United (who also need to add some cut and thrust down their flanks) and Manchester City (who look pretty set in this department). This is one case where Arsene Wenger playing the French card could stand in the club’s favour.

What’s more, given Griezmann’s age (he’s just 23-years-old), I’m sure the player himself would favour a move to The Emirates. After all, The Professor is widely regarded as the best developer of young talent in the game.

What’s your take? Should The Gunners continue to pursue Antoine Griezmann? Can they fight off competition from the Manchester clubs?

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