Arsenal’s inability to win the Premier League title in recent seasons can be attributed to their failure to sign a prolific goalscorer.
They have been linked Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres and RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko this summer, both of whom would be excellent acquisitions. However, they cannot afford to put their eggs into one basket if they want to clinch top spot.
Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz are not consistent enough to carry the attacking workload if something happened to Arsenal’s new striker. They need a reliable option who would be content with serving as back-up and taking opportunities when they arise. Here are three players they could consider.
Dusan Vlahovic (Juventus)
Dusan Vlahovic joined Juventus from Fiorentina three years ago, but he has not progressed since then and is reportedly surplus to requirements.
The Italian club are trying to shift him off their books to make way for new signings, and Arsenal should capitalise on the opportunity. Juventus are reportedly trying to terminate his contract to allow him to leave for free, and he would be a useful option for the Gunners.
Vlahovic has endured a torrid time with the Turin-based club, but a different environment would do him the world of good as he bids to rediscover his best form. Adding him to the ranks on a free transfer would be risk-free business that allows Arsenal to sell Jesus, whose recent injury record is poor.
Arsenal could also consider selling Havertz, who has not justified his hefty transfer fee. The funds recouped from his sale could be reinvested into other areas of the squad if Arsenal are able to sign Vlahovic as a back-up to their main striker.
Vlahovic scored 16 league goals last season and could hit similar numbers even while playing a second-fiddle role. His physicality and aerial prowess would give Arsenal a different option when the team needs to break down deep blocks.
The Serbian international looks to be the perfect alternative to a first-choice striker, and Arsenal should consider taking a punt on him.
Chris Wood (Nottingham Forest)
Although Nottingham Forest striker Chris Wood is in the veteran stage of his career, he would be a useful option for Arsenal in a back-up role.
Wood scored 20 league goals last season to spearhead Forest back into European competition for the first time since 1996. However, Forest are trying to sign Brentford striker Yoane Wissa, which places Wood’s future in doubt.
His record of 89 goals in 263 Premier League appearances is respectable, while his style of play would offer Arsenal a different dimension. The New Zealander would make the Gunners much stronger in the title race and a more attractive proposition for football bettors.
Kiwi football fans would take a keen interest in Arsenal if Wood was in the squad and they would become a popular pick on betting sites in his homeland. New Zealanders are renowned for their love of wagering, and Wood’s goals could help them bank a tidy profit.
If Arsenal signed him on a cut-price deal, Wood would provide the additional firepower they require to end their long wait to win the Premier League title.
Richard Kone (Wycombe Wanderers)
Premier League clubs are often guilty of overlooking talented younger players lower down the English pyramid in favour of signing overseas talents.
They are a missing a trick where Wycombe Wanderers striker Richard Kone is concerned. He has similar straits to Gyokeres and would be a useful project signing for the Gunners. Kone is raw, but his ability to run the channels with intensity would allow him to fit seamlessly into the Premier League.
Kone scored 18 goals in 43 games league games last season. Wycombe reached the League One play-offs, and Kone produced a superb performance in the semi-final second leg against Charlton Athletic. Having missed out on promotion, Kone may be tempted by the prospect of moving on from League One.
The Ivorian would benefit from serving as a back-up to Gyokeres or Sesko. He would improve with better coaching and could be handed opportunities to demonstrate his talent in the domestic cup competitions. The underlying data suggests he is ready for such a role.
The League One Player of the Season possesses a raw athleticism that would trouble most top-flight defenders. He is a long-term bet that Arsenal should seriously consider.
