Although neutrals have been admiring former Chelsea striker Demba Ba hitting the bar right from kick-off, Arsenal fans are however slamming Olivier Giroud’s performance in the Gunners’ 0-0 draw with Besiktas Tuesday night.
Giroud’s displays will only leave supporters now putting more pressure on Arsene Wenger to sign a new striker this summer, especially with the London club expected to challenge domestically and in Europe.
Several names have been mooted throughout the transfer window, but as clubs are closing their cheque books ahead of the new season, it seems Arsenal could be scrambling till the last minute for another centre-forward.
Here are FIVE strikers Arsenal can still sign this summer.
[ffc-gallery]CLICK ON POOR OLIVER GIROUD TO SEE THE FULL LIST!
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Mario Balotelli
Mario Balotelli is one of the best centre-forwards on the planet, but with his off-field shenanigans, is also one of the hardest to control.
Balotelli combines strength, speed, as well as technique… and with previous experience with Manchester City will have no trouble adapting to life in London.
The Italian has been linked with a move to the Premier League all summer, however it is Arsenal who – with their Puma contract – that have the upper hand in gaining his signature.
Puma have already reportedly said they would aid the Gunners in making a move for Balotelli, but with AC Milan reluctant to let “Super Mario” leave the San Siro, Arsenal will need to cough up over £25million for his services.
Javier Hernandez
It is quite sad to see Javier Hernandez not ever making the step from being a super-sub to regular starter at Manchester United. The Mexican is one of the best goal-poachers since Filippo Inzaghi, scoring whenever given the chance.
Now frustrated at being left on the United bench, “Chacarito” has received numerous offers giving him a chance to play regularly outside the Premier League.
Quick, reactive, and with an incredible eye for goal, Hernandez is the perfect foil or alternative to Olivier Giroud’s style of play.
Wenger should challenge the likes of Tottenham and Southampton for his signature, with both clubs also monitoring the £12million rated goal-machine.
Edinson Cavani
One of the best strikers in the world, the signing of Cavani would bring praise and admiration for manager Arsene Wenger.
The Uruguayan’s record speaks for itself, scoring 129 goals in all competitions in his past four seasons.
Their biggest obstacle, however, is convincing Paris Saint-Germain to let go of the former Napoli man.
A week ago a transfer was more than possible with Arsenal making a massive £51million bid, but after the recent injury to PSG main man Zlatan Ibrahimovic, convincing the Ligue-1 champions to sell Zlatan’s fill-in could now prove more costly that £51million.
Samuel Eto’o
When Samuel Eto’o bent the ball with his left boot into the bottom right corner of Wojciech Szcesny’s goal during Chelsea’s 6-0 win over Arsenal, not many Gunners would believe that at the end of the season they would be linked to the former African Player of the Year.
Eto’o has scored goals wherever he has played and his experience would be of great benefit to the young Arsenal squad.
Most importantly, the 33-year-old is available for free after not renewing his one year contract with Chelsea this summer.
If Arsene Wenger is going to make a panic buy, Eto’o would not be a bad option considering he now has a year in the Premier League and wants to get one over Jose Mourinho for labelling him “too old.”
Radamel Falcao
If there is one player that Arsenal fans almost all agree they should be signing, it is Radamel Falcao.
While Cavani is fast and aggressive, Falcao plays in the same fashion as Olivier Giroud… except the Colombian is better in every aspect.
He is the perfect poacher, capitalizing on his chances when fed in the six yard area. However Falcao is also very capable outside the box, able to score curlers or belters from long range.
Monaco are also very keen to offload the former Porto superstar on a one-year loan, and if Arsenal agree to pay him his desired £200-a-week wages, can finally say with confidence they are challenging for the title.
