Despite his 13 goals in the League this season, Arsenal fans here in the Transfer Tavern have grown to hate Olivier Giroud.
A 15 game goalless run didn’t help Giroud’s cause.
Giroud actually has a decent record for Arsenal, scoring 79 goals in just less than 190 appearances for the North London club, however Giroud could have almost double that amount of goals if he was a touch more clinical.
Giroud misses at least 2 or 3 chances per match and spends far too much time sulking on the floor or doing nothing on the wing.
Giroud has apparently been subject of interest from Wolfsburg – the Bundelsiga outfit also bought ex-Arsenal reject Nicklas Bendtner, although Giroud will hope to be remembered in a more positive manner than his Danish compatriot.
With Danny Welbeck out for nine months and Giroud looking to be heading for the exit door, here are FIVE ideal replacements for the Frenchman…..
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PRESS THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE THE 5 REPLACEMENTS!
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Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang
Here is one striker that Arsenal should sign regardless of the cost, regardless of whether Giroud leaves or stays. Aubameyang is perhaps the most in form and wanted man in Europe at the moment.
The Gabon international has scored an impressive 19 goals for his country, where he is also the captain, Arsenal lack a leader and this could be vital for Wenger’s men.
More impressively, the 26-year-old has scored a ridiculous 25 goals in just 30 league games for Borussia Dortmund this season, as well as tucking away 11 goals in 14 Europa League games – as well as 3 goals in 3 games in the German Cup.
Romelu Lukaku
The Belgian striker has seemingly been around for ages, but at just 22 years old, Lukaku has plenty of years ahead of him and plenty of goals in him too.
Lukaku has no bad injury record in the past, but of course that will all change if Arsenal are to sign him, but Lukaku is one of the most lethal strikers in World football.
Despite playing in a poor Everton side, Lukaku has scored 18 goals this season as well as 7 goals in 9 cup appearances for the Toffees.
No Arsenal striker has a record near to Lukaku’s since Robin van Persie.
Paulo Dybala
Another young talent for Arsenal to consider is Paulo Dybala.
The 22- year-old has helped fire Juventus to the Serie A title, scoring 17 goals and claiming 8 assists in Italy.
The Argentine would be a very expensive signing but he is surely worth it.
Despite lacking experience in the Premier League, the youngster now has a league title under his belt and will surely be striving for many more.
Like plenty of Arsenal players, Dybala is very fast but unlike the majority of them, Dybala has an incredible shot and would surely score at least 20 goals for Arsenal per season providing he stays fit.
Gonzalo Higuain
Higuain was the subject of plenty of failed Arsenal bids a few season ago whilst at Real Madrid.
The Argentine transferred to Napoli where he has lit up Serie A.
This season, Higuain has scored 33 goals in 34 league games and has shown how passionate he is after being sent off a few weeks ago, once Napoli could no longer win the Scudetto.
Of course, red cards are not what Arsenal need, but a player with a winning mentality and a passion for success is clearly lacking in the Arsenal squad, the 28-year-old could be a vital signing at the Emirates Stadium.
Robert Lewandowski
Last but not least, Robert Lewandowski.
Perhaps the most unrealistic of all the strikers mentioned, Lewandowski is perhaps the best striker in Europe at the moment scoring 29 goals in 31 Bundesliga games including 5 in 9 minutes against Wolfsburg, as well as 9 goals in just 12 Champions League games this season.
Lewandowski would certainly not be a gamble as he is a natural finisher.
One factor that could play in Arsenal’s favour is that Lewandowski is known for being very friendly with Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, and their friendship may perhaps be a reason that he may want to join the north London club.
There aren’t many other reasons though, Lewandowski is guaranteed trophies in Germany whereas in England, Lewandowski is guaranteed the frustration of finishing 3rd or 4th every season despite looking so promising in the first few months of the year.
