Arsene Wenger has stressed the need to bring top quality signings to the club this summer and an area where the north London club needs strengthening is the center forward position.
For several seasons now, Frenchman Olivier Giroud has been the only outright striker. But with his current situation at the club (drastically reduced game-time and renewed confrontations from the fans), the big striker may leave the Emirates.
The Gunners have been linked with a number of top-rated strikers over the past few years. The likes of Karim Benzema, Antonio Griezmann, and Patrick Aubameyang have been touted to be heading to North London but time and time again, the club have failed to land any of them.
This summer, however, the number of big forwards finding their way to the rumour mill as possible recruits are growing by the day. Some of the names include Alexandre Lacazette of Lyon, Kylian Mbappe of Monaco and teammate, Thomas Lemar. Celtic striker Moussa Dembele is also being touted as a possible target.
With a widely rumoured €100 million transfer kitty and the possibility of cashing in on some outgoing players, Arsene Wenger has a lot to do in the market this summer. But the signing of Saed Kolasinac(free) and the possible capture of 19-year-old Nigerian youngster Henry Onyekuru, the fans will be hoping for some major signings up front.
We already know that there is an uncontrollable inflation in the transfer market, especially strikers(something Arsene Wenger is really not comfortable with) and with the lack UEFA Champion’s League football, the guys in charge of transfers at the north London club will have to put in more efforts and offer more than they normally offer in order to land the right centre forward.
Looking at the list of targets going around, is the perfect option actually available? The most experienced and reliable of the lot seems to be Lyon Alexandre Lacazette. The French man was on fire last season, banging in 37 goals in 45 games. He also seems to be consistent in his endeavours as he has scored over 20 goals in each of the last four seasons. This puts him in the league of top strikers and he has consequently drawn interest from several European clubs.
The major challenge Arsenal would have encountered in trying to secure his signature was the reported interest from Atletico, but with the news of their failure to upturn a transfer ban, the road is clearer for the striker who evidently wants to leave Lyon. What remains to be seen is whether the Gunners have the resolve to sign him.
If a bid to land Lacazette fails, the other option we have maybe Kylian Mbappe. This transfer is however, very unlikely. There have been reports recently that Arsenal, as well as Real Madrid, have had offers for the 18-year-old forward rejected. While these reports can be taken with a pinch of salt, nothing is expected to be ruled out this summer.
The likes of Thomas Lemar and Moussa Dembele are equally decent forwards Arsenal could land, but if the club intends to remain in the league of top destinations for top talents, a good statement in form of actual transfer will have to be made in the nearest future.
