Arsenal leads the Premier League going into 2014, and Arsene Wenger will look to bring in some reinforcements to end his eight years trophy drought.
Olivier Giroud, Arsenal’s starting forward, needs some rest having played 25 matches this season, which is why Wenger will have to sign a center-forward. The long-time Gunners coach also needs to sign a center back who would be an alternative for the three established center-backs he has on his roster.
Wenger’s transfer tactics are well documented. He likes to sign low-priced players with lots of potential, which is why I came up with a list of players Wenger might be interested in.
Olivier Giroud, Arsenal’s starting forward, needs some rest having played 25 matches this season, which is why Wenger will have to sign a center-forward. The long-time Gunners coach also needs to sign a center back who would be an alternative for the three established center-backs he has on his roster.
Wenger’s transfer tactics are well documented. He likes to sign low-priced players with lots of potential, which is why I came up with a list of players Wenger might be interested in.
Michy Batshuayi: For the past few days, there have been rumors that Wenger was interested in the Standard Liège forward. The 20-year-old Belgian is the leading goal scorer in the Jupiler Pro League with 14 goals in 21 games. He also has two goals and two assists in six Europa League games.
Batshuayi has a compelling physique, which makes him an ideal fit for Arsenal. He can win balls in the air and hold off defenders. The right-footed striker also possesses pace, which is something Giroud lacks.
According to transfermarkt.com, Batshuayi would only cost Arsenal 5 million euros. The Belgian would not be a threat to Giroud, but he would increase Arsenal’s chances of winning the Premier League.
Batshuayi has a compelling physique, which makes him an ideal fit for Arsenal. He can win balls in the air and hold off defenders. The right-footed striker also possesses pace, which is something Giroud lacks.
According to transfermarkt.com, Batshuayi would only cost Arsenal 5 million euros. The Belgian would not be a threat to Giroud, but he would increase Arsenal’s chances of winning the Premier League.
Kevin Volland: The TSG 1899 Hoffenheim striker is one of Germany’s most promising young talent. The rumored Arsenal target and Giroud possess different characteristics. The 21 year old is a deep-lying forward who likes to drop back into midfield and create chances.
Volland is more like fellow German, Lukas Podolski. He is fast, skillful, good on counter-attacks and he has a hammer for a left foot. Just like Podolski, Volland isn’t an outlet forward and he isn’t very good in the air.
The striker has seven goals four assists in 16 Bundesliga games this season, and is valued at 12 million euros.
Volland is more like fellow German, Lukas Podolski. He is fast, skillful, good on counter-attacks and he has a hammer for a left foot. Just like Podolski, Volland isn’t an outlet forward and he isn’t very good in the air.
The striker has seven goals four assists in 16 Bundesliga games this season, and is valued at 12 million euros.
Emmanuel Rivière: Few days ago it looked like in-form Rivière would remain an AS Monaco player, until it was reported that the Ligue 1 club were favorites to sign Lacina Traore. In Monaco’s first season back in the first division, the French forward has been one of their standout players.
Rivière can play as a number nine and out on the wings. He is very fast, strong and he's superior finisher. He has benefited from Radamel Falcao’s injury scoring eight goals in 15 league games this season.
If Monaco were to sign Traore, Rivière would become the team’s third choice striker. Wenger can swoop in and get the 23-year-old striker for 3.5 million euros.
Rivière can play as a number nine and out on the wings. He is very fast, strong and he's superior finisher. He has benefited from Radamel Falcao’s injury scoring eight goals in 15 league games this season.
If Monaco were to sign Traore, Rivière would become the team’s third choice striker. Wenger can swoop in and get the 23-year-old striker for 3.5 million euros.
Samuel Umtiti: Umtiti might be the lowest rated player on this list, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t a fine player. Even though he is 5’9”, the Olympique Lyonnais defender is a very capable player. He can play in the center and on the left side of the defense.
The 20 year old completes 83.1 percent of his passess and he completes 3.3 long balls per game. He would provide depth at the center-back and left-back positions. If Umtiti signs a contract with Arsenal, he would cost 8 million euros.
The 20 year old completes 83.1 percent of his passess and he completes 3.3 long balls per game. He would provide depth at the center-back and left-back positions. If Umtiti signs a contract with Arsenal, he would cost 8 million euros.
Kurt Zouma: The 19-year-old AS Saint Etienne center-back is definitely a player Wenger has to keep an eye on. He is tall, strong and fast. He is a great passer, completing 86.2 percent of his passes and 4.8 long balls per game, and he wins 3.3 aerial duels per game.
Zouma would cost Arsenal 7 million euros. But if Wenger signs him, he would have to teach the youngster how to tackle.
Zouma would cost Arsenal 7 million euros. But if Wenger signs him, he would have to teach the youngster how to tackle.