The forward Wenger will sign

By 1970’s Gooner

Arsene Wenger will not want to sign a mega star forward for two reasons.

First he will demand to start every game. This will be difficult to put into practice as Giroud is now a pivotal player in Arsenal’s formation of 4 2 3 1 and also in his tactical importance of holding the ball, bringing the midfielders into play and scoring goals.

And changing Arsenal’s formation to accommodate the new striker in a 4 4 2 set up would be stupid to say the least and would be silly to put into jeopardy what has been achieved so far with Giroud’s contribution.

That’s why players like Benzema and even Suarez are now out of the question for Arsenal. Notwithstanding the fact that Liverpool will not sell the latter to a “rival”. And for the same reason players like Dzeko, Jotevic and Demba Ba will not come to the Emirates.

Secondly the transfer fee of a player like Benzema and the related wages would be enormous, in the Real galactico range, making such a transfer mostly uneconomic and nonsensical when your first choice to lead the line will, in any case, be Giroud.

Now, the forward that Arsenal will want to buy will have to be a player that a) is not a galactico and b) will be at that stage of his career where coming to Arsenal will be a step up. He will also have to, at the same time, fulfill his aspirations of appearing in the World Cup (if his country has qualified that is).

Another characteristic will have to be that he is not averse to sitting on the bench if need be and awaiting his chance to come through injury, loss of form, red cards or rotation.

Such players exist everywhere, in all the leagues of the world and Wenger knows where to find them.

BUT it is now the end of November and the January window will not allow Wenger to bed the player in as he could have done if it was the preseason.

That is why I think that the most logical transfer activity will be a Premier League player. That is if any transfer activity will take place at all!

The players that would add value to the squad will, in my opinion, be:

Shane Long (WBA)

He is very good at receiving the ball with his back to the defender, has lightning pace, can play in all forward positions and can score goals. Transfer fee minimal if he does not sign a contract soon. Otherwise will be in the 8 to 10 m.

Christian Benteke (Villa)

Very strong, can take defenders on, can play in all forward positions and can score goals.

Michu (Swansea)

Technically very good, can play in the number 10 position too and can score goals. Will fit into the Arsenal way of playing very nicely.

Peter Crouch (Stoke)

Tall enough and skillful enough to play that front man role. Can bring other players in the game and has the awareness to provide the assists and of course score the goals himself.

The other option, if Wenger does not fancy the PL market, is to avoid the January transfer window altogether and hope the Podolski will be a good enough cover for Giroud.

NOT RECOMMEND IF ARSENAL ARE GOING TO TAKE THEMSELVES AS SERIOUS CHALLENGERS FOR THE TITLE……