Arsenal’s lack of firepower upfront is all the more surprising given their recent history. Under Arsene Wenger, The Gunners have always favoured stacking the deck in favour of their strike-force. That’s why players like Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp and Robin Van Persie have thrived with the club.
At the moment, however, their only real option is Olivier Giroud, a physically strong French striker, who’s disastrously slow and a little cumbersome. He’s a good finisher (with 22 goals in all competitions last term), but he doesn’t score enough goals from outside the area and he doesn’t carry the ball particularly well.
He’s at his best when it comes to one touch football. If he’s laying the ball off, or applying a finish, he looks good. Otherwise, he looks a little out of place in an Arsenal shirt.
That’s why The Gunners need to increase their options in this department. This brings me to The Mirror‘s claim that Arsenal are still interested in Standard Liege’s deadly young striker, Michy Batshuayi. The source suggests that the Belgian forward has turned down a move to Swansea City as he waits to hear about Arsenal’s level of interest.
It certainly looks like he has a thing for The Gunners. Check out these quotes from earlier this year: “Personally, I like Arsenal. There is a good philosophy at the club, where trust is given to young players. This is a very technical team playing good football, and since I was little this was a team who I liked. I’ve loved the club from childhood.” (Source: The Mirror)
Despite his youth (he’s just 20-years-old), he certainly looks like a good option. He’s scored 19 goals in the Belgian top flight this season and has 5 goals in 12 games for the Belgian U21s. Some are calling him the next Romelu Lukaku, which tells you something about how his reputation is growing.
Given that he could cost as little as £7m, this looks like something of a no-brainer. He’s a quality option and he’s affordable. Make it happen Arsene Wenger!
What’s your take? Should The Gunners barge in on this Swansea City deal? Is Michy Batshuayi good enough to compete with Olivier Giroud?
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I like this guy. He’s a strong lad and looks skilful and composed. I’d love him at the Gunners.