Arsenal have turned their transfer attention to Napoli hitman Gonzalo Higuain
There’s no question that Arsenal need to spend big on a striker this summer. Napoli forward Gonzalo Higuain fits the bill of a big name forward at a big price. However, Gunner fans should be concerned that he’s just a modest upgrade over current Arsenal forward Olivier Giroud.
I realize that many Arsenal fans will immediately dismiss my opinion as an admitted Tottenham supporter. If you’re of that mind, kindly leave the article now. If you’re willing to accept that I can view this with some measure of objectivity, please continue on with me.
It’s being widely reported that Arsenal are considering replacing Giroud with Higuain. In fact, the French forward’s agent was even quoted today as saying his client would be open to a move to Napoli as some sort of striker swap deal. I don’t have any doubt that Higuain is a significantly better player than Giroud, but I”m not sure he’s the right stylistic fit for Arsenal.
Stylistically, he and Giroud play almost the same way. Neither is blessed with exceptional pace, and both thrive when playing in front of goal. Both men are capable of scoring buckets of goals if they’re receiving quality service. Arsenal can easily provide that with their talented attacking midfielders.
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I just question whether or not Arsenal need to purchase a different kind of striker. My thought is that Arsene Wenger’s club would be much better off adding real pace at the top of their attack. A player like Romelu Lukaku would be ideal because of his combination of pace and power in the box. Another alternative, French forward Alexandre Lacazette isn’t as polished as Higuain, but he would succeed in giving the Gunners something different.
As much as Giroud is a whipping boy for the Arsenal fan base, there’s a reason he starts for France as well. He performs well as long as you’re only asking him to play as a classic centre forward. He still has value even at the highest level of Premier League football.
The most prudent solution for Wenger would be to purchase a pacey option and keep Giroud as a valuable Plan B. There will be times during the year when Arsenal need to play a classic centre forward to combat opponents parking the bus against them. Giroud can fill that role nicely, Higuain would just do it slightly better.
Related Story: Arsenal should keep Olivier Giroud one more year
Against tougher competition, Arsenal do need a more dynamic player to lead their attack. I’m not convinced that Higuain, despite his prolific goal scoring record, really gives them any added tactical dimensions. Absent of his ability to change the way Arsenal play at times, I wouldn’t be in a rush to pay upwards of 60 million pounds for his services.
Acquiring Gonzalo Higuain will make Arsenal better, but he’s not different enough from Olivier Giroud to make them Premier League champions.