It seems Arsenal are ready to line up another £35m bid for Alexandre Lacazette, this news sparked a debate between many of the punters in the Football Transfer Tavern: Who could Arsenal realistically sign this season?
Despite the constant rumblings and links between Arsenal, including the reported next bid, and Lyon forward Alexandre Lacazette, our Landlord reckons the deal may go no further.
The 25-year-old striker netted 21 times for Lyon last season and has attracted a lot of interest from many clubs, including Arsenal who have had a £30m bid rejected.
This seems a tradition for Arsenal who in the past have been linked with many top strikers including Karim Benzema, Gonzalo Higuain and of course Jamie Vardy but none of these deals were completed.
Following that, here are FIVE top strikers Arsenal may actually be able to sign…
Wissam Ben Yedder
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHQFbNWDn_A
The striker managed to bag 17 goals in Ligue 1 last season, the fourth highest goal scorer behind the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Lacazette and Edinson Cavani, suggesting he’s a bright talent that could certainly thrive under the support Arsenal’s strong midfield.
He’s young, talented and only estimated at around £8m (although almost certainly will cost around £10 million) therefore Ben Yedder seems an absolute bargain for Wenger to strengthen his side.
Mario Mandzukic
With Juventus’ vast attacking options including Paulo Dybala, Miralem Pjanic and the new signing of Higuain, this could see Mandzukic become surplus to requirements at the club.
Despite his age, 30, and a couple of injury problems last season, he could still be a valuable resource for Arsene Wenger in front of goal, especially due to his wealth of experience in big games with teams such as Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid and of course Juventus.
His 27 appearances for Juve last year saw him bag 10 goals including two vital ones against Man City in the Champions League which sent Juventus through, showing his value in front of goal, and with an estimated price of £15m he’s a very cheap option.
Karim Benzema
As previously mentioned, Karim Benzema has been linked with Arsenal before but the deal has never gone through. So, why could it happen now?
Similar to the Mandzukic situation, Real Madrid’s signing of Alvaro Morata from Juventus could see the French international’s place in the first team put in jeopardy, and he may be enticed away from the Bernabéu in search for more regular football.
At the age of 28, he’s not the youngest striking option around but his ability and experience is not something to ignore, bagging 24 goals last season for Madrid.
Mauro Icardi
The 23-year-old Inter Milan forward has also been linked with Arsenal this season, despite Inter manager Roberto Mancini stating he is going nowhere.
With 16 goals in Serie A last season and still at such a young age, the striker definitely has a lot of potential, however with the rumoured selling point for Inter being around £50m, is this too much of an asking price for the Argentine frontman?
Romelu Lukaku
Unlike all the other strikers listed here Lukaku has Premier League experience, something that can prove invaluable especially in big games.
The 23-year-old has played for Chelsea, West Bromich Albion and current side Everton in the Prem and has proved his ability on many occasions, especially last season when he bagged 18 league goals and 25 in total.
His strength, pace and lethal finishing is something Arsenal have been lacking in a striker for a while now and would only benefit from, especially with the support of the likes of Mesut Özil and Alexis Sanchez.
Gunners fans, we want to hear from you! What do you make of this list? Which on here is your favourite? Let us know in the comments below…
