Who is the ideal candidate to revitalise Arsenal’s flagging attack?
Published:Theo Walcott’s unfortunately timed knee injury has added to the plentiful pressure on Arsene Wenger to sign a forward in the January transfer window.
As ever, a host of names have been linked with the Gunners – 4/1 to win the Premier League – but it appears that Wenger is unwilling to pay the inflated prices that mid-season transfers cost.
Should the north Londoners fail to bring home the divisional bacon after setting the pace for the majority of the campaign, many will pinpoint this frugality as the reason behind their shortcoming, so we’ve analysed the potential arrivals and graded them to determine where Wenger would be best suited splashing his cash.
Jackson Martinez – C
With 12 goals in 14 Porto league starts, the Colombian hitman is as deadly as any across the continent. Arsenal have been linked to a £32m move, but the fact that he wouldn’t be able to play in the Champions League makes such a signing not worthwhile in the short term.
Diego Costa – B
Can’t play in Europe, but is a complete striker who can contribute to the Gunners’ intricate style as well as improve their ability to finish moves off. However, he’s unlikely to leave Atletico Madrid at this stage of the season so it makes pursuing this one a waste of time.
Alvaro Morata – B
A loan deal for the lightning quick Real Madrid youngster is believed to Wenger’s priority and he’s versatile enough to operate in both Walcott’s role out wide or Olivier Giroud’s through the middle, but is he experienced enough to be effective in the latter?
Edin Dzeko – D
The Bosnian guarantees goals – he’s got 32 Premier League strikes in 40 starts – but whether he can replicate the deftness that Giroud brings to the Arsenal attack, as well as the massive price Manchester City would demand, makes him an option to swerve.
Dimitar Berbatov – A
Berba wouldn’t cost a fortune, he can play in Europe and has all the technical brilliance to shine at the Emirates. A workaholic he isn’t, but he’ll bring goals to the table and would be open to a short-term contract for a final shot at winning titles.
All odds and markets accurate as of publication’s time and date
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