With Danny Welbeck being ruled out of action for nine months, Arsenal will be looking to replace the England International by making most of the summer transfer window.
Welbeck’s long term injury has left the Gunners with just one recognized striker in their squad — Olivier Giroud.
The French international’s consistency is a big concern for manager Arsene Wenger, who has even deployed winger Theo Walcott up front in certain matches.
Welbeck, who had only recovered from a long term left knee injury in February, had to undergo surgery on his right knee after suffering a cartilage injury during weekend’s match against Manchester City. The 25 year old has been ruled out for nine months as a result of his injury.
With Welbeck out of the picture, Wenger will be looking to sign another striker when the transfer window opens in July. Here are a few strikers who the French manager could sign.
Alvaro Morata
Age: 23
Club: Juventus
Expected Transfer Fee: More than £25 million.
Not being a regular starter at Juventus is something that is said to be bothering Morata, which is why the Spaniard has been looking for a move away from Turin. Bianconeri stars Paulo Dybala and Mario Mandzukic were Allegri’s preferred attacking duo upfront for most of the 2015-16 campaign. This has made Morata one of the prime targets for Arsenal, according to reports from the English media.
Real Madrid could prove to be Arsenal’s biggest hurdle when it comes to signing Morata though. Los Blancos have a €30 million (£23.6 million) buy-back clause for the 23 year old. However, Juventus are said to be looking for other bidders for the Spaniard, as they would be able to negotiate a higher transfer fee, if they do not sell to Real Madrid.
Daniel Sturridge
Age: 26
Club: Liverpool FC
Expected Transfer Fee: £30 million
Daniel Sturridge represents an opportunity for Arsenal to sign a top quality proven Premier League goal scorer who is also a home grown talent. Sturridge has impressed for Liverpool since recovering from niggling injuries at the beginning of the season, but is reported to be unhappy with regards to his playing time.
The England International is a player who could fit seamlessly into the Arsenal side, as he relies on intricate play in and around the box to score his goals. However, Liverpool are unlikely to sell him for cheap. According to reports, Sturridge could cost around £30 million. One problem with signing Sturridge is that, like Welbeck, he is also prone to long term injuries.
Robert Lewandowski
Age: 27
Club: Bayern Munich
Expected Transfer Fee: More than £50 million
The Poland International is one of the best strikers in the world right now, having scored 29 goals in the Bundesliga so far. With Alexis Sanchez rumoured to be on his way out during the summer, the arrival of Lewandowski is likely to boost Arsenal’s hopes of bringing home the Premier League trophy.
Unfortunately however, Lewandowski is not going to be an easy acquisition, with reports claiming that Arsene Wenger might have to shell out upwards of £50 million in order to land his signature.
