Arsenal’s need for a new forward is extremely well documented amongst fans and the media, who remain unconvinced that Theo Walcott and Olivier Giroud are enough to win the Premier League title.
The Gunners injury record backs that up, with it pretty clear that Arsenal will face problems should either of our current forwards strike a lengthy problem. The problem is, with two quality forwards already at the club, how do you gage which striker to bring in?
Jonathan Kaney believes he’s found a solution that suits everyone, with a young striker capable of improving the current squad and also presenting a long-term solution. Young strikers are a valuable asset, and a highly-valued commodity, and these five players would be exceptional additions.
Hit the navigation buttons above to see FIVE young strikers Arsenal should target!
Romelu Lukaku
Lukaku scored his 50th goal in his 100th appearance for Everton at the weekend and has truly proved himself one of the most dangerous striker in the Premier League.
He would cost around £50m to sign, but at just 22 years old, he is already a prolific and highly experienced Premier League striker and is destined to be this generation’s Drogba.
His time at Everton has moulded him in to a far better striker than he was at Chelsea and with 11 goals already this season he is terrifying Premier League defences. He’s also a far more complete player than Giroud or Walcott is, offering skill as well as physicality and power.
Lukaku has a drive and ambition to be the best in the world and a move to the Gunners to learn under Arsene Wenger could well turn him from a fantastic striker into a legendary one.
Breel Embolo
18-year-old Breel Embolo is one Europe’s most sought after young strikers due to his powerful physicality and goal-scoring prowess and is rumoured to be at the centre of a transfer battle between Arsenal, Man United and Chelsea.
He scored 10 goals in 26 league games in his first full season in the Basel first team and was trusted to lead the line against the likes of Real Madrid and the Champions League last year.
Not only he is a battering ram up front, but he can also hold the ball up superbly and has the pace and finishing ability to make him the complete striker. He’s been dubbed the new Didier Drogba, and the Gunners would be wise to sign him before someone else does.
Aaron Leya Iseka
Much like Embolo, at just 17-years-old Aaron Leya Iseka – younger brother of Marseille ace Michy Batshuayi – is a young striker who seems to have all the attributes to be a world beater.
He’s been a goal machine in the Belgian youth leagues and is a powerful, confident and hugely talented goal scorer for his age. He has a bright future ahead of him and has already cemented his place leading the Anderlecht frontline.
Arsene Wenger has been heavily linked with making a move for him in January, and a move for him at this stage of his career would suit all parties with him most likely to be loaned back to Anderlecht to develop his talent.
Domenico Berardi
21-year-old Domenico Berardi is another player being linked with top European clubs in January, particularly Liverpool.
The young striker is already a household name in Italy after bagging an impressive 33 Serie A goals in 67 appearances and consistently putting in some superb performances for the unfashionable and lowly Sassuolo.
He’s most famous for scoring all four goals as the newly promoted club sealed a 4-3 win over AC Milan and then bagging a hattrick in a 3-2 win in their next meeting. Berardi has a goal scorers instinct and a flair about him that makes fans excited. It would be fantastic to see him at the Emirates rather than Anfield.
Anderson Talisca
The 6ft 3 giant has been linked with Chelsea in the past, and Jose Mourinho is a keen admirer of the 21-year-old, telling the media that he would be in England if he had got his work permit.
The Brazilian was a risky signing for the Portuguese side from little known Bahia after they lost a host of stars in 2014, but they have been well rewarded after impressive debut season where he bagged 9 goals.
He’s carried on that form to score 6 goals in 14 games this season and recently scored the winner in 1-0 Champions League victory over Monaco. His nickname is “Yaya Talisca” in reference to Yaya Toure, and he would definitely be an improvement on Yaya Sanogo.