Lots of talk has been going on about the need for another striker. This is based on the fear of Giroud getting an injury and also the need for a different type of striker. Both reasons are valid and Arsenal do really need to sign a new striker. However, that cannot happen till the winter transfer window in January. For now what we need to do is look at what we have at hand.
The options for Arsenal upfront are:
1. Nicklas Bendtner
The big Dane is the only other senior natural striker Arsenal has. He has shown his potential before and with a few more games he can definitely be a genuine option for a striker. Good in the air, his feet and not short of confidence he is still a threat and can be counted on to score a few.
2. Lukas Podolski
The German has largely been used on the left wing but has a lethal strike and when used as a center forward he has shown his worth. Podolski’s is strong in the air, long shots and is quicker than both Bendtner and Giroud on the turn and thus can trouble the opponent’s defense more.
3. Theo Walcott
The speed man has previously stated his wish to play as a center forward. He does offer that option and also a different type of play based on his ability to run behind opponent’s defenders and his good finishing. Walcott is direct in his play and the top goal scorer for Arsenal last season definitely eases any immediate striker woes the team may have for now.
4. Yaya Sanogo
Young, inexperienced and injury prone is what most think first when the name Sanogo is mentioned. The young Frenchman has however shown his goal scoring ability at his former club and also for the France Under-20 team. He is acrobatic, good on the head and the volley and may offer cover to Arsenal’s main strikers. As his game is unknown to opponents, he also offers the surprise element.
5. Chuba Akpom
Like Sanogo, Akpom is young and inexperienced but he has shown his potential when given the chance. He rarely misses clear cut chances and is one to watch.
6. Santi Cazorla
The little magician is great on both his feet, can turn quick in the box, has a great long range shot and amazing vision for goal. He can be deployed in a false 9 position and he can do really well as he has almost all the qualities of a striker. He offers a genuine option for striker.
7. Mesut Özil
The ‘King of Assists’ was recently deployed as a striker in Germany’s world cup qualifiers after they faced a weird striker crisis. He did very well in that position with his neat passes and of course the goals. Like Santi he can flourish in a false 9 position and offer an option upfront.
8. Serge Gnabry
The young winger scored his first senior goal for the team and so brilliantly. He is great at dribbling, holding on to the ball and never afraid to have a go. He can be a good finisher given the chance.
9. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
The pacy midfielder has a pretty decent eye for goal and a great long range shot. His dribbling skills means he can hold on to possession well. He has the ability to turn and can surprise the opponents.
10. Aaron Ramsey
Initially, I thought this up as a joke then it hit me. He has scored so 8 goals for Arsenal and 3 for Wales in as many games. The goals have been from a Ramsey with the calm and confidence of Thierry Henry and I believe that there’s more to come from him. He has featured for Arsenal as a central midfielder, defensive midfielder, attacking midfielder, on both wings both at the front and at the back and at central defense. If called upon, he can attack very well.
These options mean that the team isn’t under so much pressure before the transfer window and that it can hold its own till then.
Proud to be a Gooner!!
Out of those 10, four are injured. To be honest, Arsenal’s best player to play as a striker is Aaron Ramsey. As you said, he has been prolific this season, so playing him up front is a good option.