Toothless Liverpool seek Arsenal target to solve goals shortage
Published:
Liverpool’s faltering strike force could get just the lift it needs in January if they can pull off a massive coup and land long-term Arsenal target Jackson Martinez.
One national newspaper reports the Reds are preparing a £30m swoop for the Porto goal machine, though the Gunners may also be in for the Colombian.
Martinez has forged a reputation as one of Europe’s leading marksman since arriving at the Porto, netting a hugely impressive tally of 72 goals from only 106 appearances for the Portuguese champions.
It’s no wonder Brendan Rodgers feels it necessary to re-jig his ailing attack in January either, after a really ropey first quarter of the 2014/15 season for Liverpool.
Struggling down in seventh, the team that netted over 100 Premier League goals last season have only scored five at Anfield from the same amount of top-flight games this term.
It’s a worrying stat for Rodgers, whose stuttering Reds are priced up as 9/4 shots to beat league leaders Chelsea when they welcome them for Saturday’s televised lunchtime kick-off.
Having sold 33-goal man of last season Luis Suarez to Barcelona, goals were always going to be harder to come by for in ‘14/15.
However, a lengthy lay-off to Daniel Sturridge, provider of 21 top-flight goals himself for last year’s runners-up, has compounded the situation on Merseyside.
Rodgers’ summer recruitment has to be questioned. The £16m gamble on Mario Balotelli hasn’t paid off, neither has the £4m capture of Southampton striker Rickie Lambert, as the pair haven’t contributed a league goal between them yet.
Meanwhile, fourth-choice striker Fabio Borini – who Liverpool were trying to sell off to Sunderland this summer – has remained a peripheral figure ever since his arrival from Roma in 2012.
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