Worth The 60 Million Bargain?
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Arsenal's hunt for a striker continues and doesn't look like it's near end as we gradually approach the commencement of the new season.
I watched Mikel Arteta's response to a journalist's question on whether Arsenal would be getting a "specialist striker" or if he'd keep his trust with Kai Havertz. Typical of the Spaniard, he heaped praise on his German forward, stating that he (Havertz) played both as an attacking midfielder and finished strongly in the number 9 role last season, and that we have many options.
If we're to infer anything from here, he's simply telling us that even if Arsenal don't sign a striker this summer, we would be all right. Again, however, the Liverpool game showed the need for a striker, with Gabriel Jesus unable to provide us with that presence needed up front. But I won't be surprised if Artega doesn't land a striker this summer.
Aside from the fact that there are not too many proven strikers readily available, the available ones are either or long-term contracts with their currebt clubs or the asking prices are too much. With the imminent departure of Eddir Nketiah and the lack of trust in Jesus, perhaps, just perhaps, something might happen.
We've been linked with a handful of strikers this summer and one that has propped up most recently is Julian Alvarez. Although currently on international duty with Argentina at the Paris Olympics, he has reportedly declined a new contract from Manchester City, citing his need for more playing time, despite playing over 50 games for the Premier league champions last season.
His 19 goals across all competitiona no doubt dwarfs both of our strikers' - Jesus and Nketiah, my fear is, he looks like a Jesus kind of player, who likes to get involved more in play than providing presence in the final third. It would be unwise for Arsenal to bring in another Jesus given the problem already identified with the Brazilian. Again, his own numbers say differently.
His price is set at about £60 million, which I believe is not a bad bargain for a 24-year old player who has won every title there is to win as a player, but will Manchester City be willing to sell again to a direct rival, not forgetting that Chelsea are also rumoured to be interested in his signature.
Good or bad choice?
I would be very surprised if Alvarez joins another Premier League team. If he is to leave Man City this summer, it's likely to be one of the Spanish giants.
There have been some very strange articles written about Alvarez whilst he's at the Olympics. It smells like journalistic shit-stirring more than anything else.
One striker who's available and could be an interesting signing for Arsenal (and potentially a very good fit) is Romelu Lukaku. This will entirely depend upon his attitude off the pitch but his playing style feels like the missing piece in Arteta's puzzle.
But as Arteta says, Havertz had a very good end to the season when he was finally moved to Centre Forward (towards the end of February) - his stats from that point were superior to all of his teammates, including Saka.
Gabriel Jesus continues to prove that he's not good enough.
Lukaku? NO WAY.
I'm still wondering how you came about the idea of Lukaku, of all players. He doesn't in any way fit Arteta's game play. He's not the mobile and particularly clinical finisher that we need.
Can you compare his gameplay to the likes of Isak and Watkins, even Toney?
No please, Lukaku is a total misfit.
I'd rather a Kai Havertz.