Should Arsenal target Portuguese Striker Nelson Oliveira?

Nelson Oliveira

Arsenal have made a superb start to the 2013/14 Premier League campaign. With 25 points and a goal difference of 13 to their name, they lead the top division by five points.

French striker Olivier Giroud has contributed massively to the club’s title effort thus far. With several impressive performances and five goals to his name, the 27-year-old’s form has dramatically improved since his efforts in a red and white shirt last season.

Although Wenger will be more than satisfied with the current squad, his lack of options up-front could prove a cause for concern. With Giroud being the club’s only established out-and-out striker, the Gunners experienced manager probably has intentions to sign another striker, be it in January or the summer window.

Nelson Oliveira is one player the Gunners should consider. The Portuguese youngster is currently playing his trade at French Ligue 1 club Rennes, having been loaned by Benfica for the last four campaigns.

The club’s intent to sell the striker is clear, but any interested clubs will have to move quickly. The 22-year-old’s transfer value is skyrocketing on loan in France, where he is undergoing a career renaissance and what’s more Rennes have the option to make any deal permanent at the end of the current season.

Oliveira has scored on seven occasions in just 11 matches this term and his conversion rate of 23.3% makes him a deadly player in front of goal. The Portuguese striker has become Rennes’ go-to man, as he currently leads the club’s scoring tally.

Nelson Oliveira – Goals Scored

His ability to find the back of the next makes him seem like an ideal back-up player for Olivier Giroud at Arsenal. Whilst he has become accustomed to starting each match in France, he often appeared off the bench as a Benfica squad member. Under various managers in Portugal, Oliveira was pigeon-holed as an impact sub.

When used in this role, however, the youngster failed to score more than ten goals in any given season. Clearly he thrives when given the opportunity of first-team football, but with Giroud in form, this would be hard to come-by at the Emirates. This is an important factor that Wenger would have to consider.

Compared to the Frenchman he offers very little in terms of an improvement. Although his passing accuracy is significantly higher (79% to 66%), he lacks a real creative edge. This campaign, Giroud has already made 17 key passes, assisting four goals, whereas Oliveira has fashioned just three opportunities for his team-mates.

In terms of adding depth to the squad, Oliveira is probably not the best option for Arsene Wenger’s side. Having adapted to his new role as a lead striker in France, he would no longer want to be involved merely as a bit-part player. At just 22, the Portuguese striker is still developing as a footballer and first-team action is needed to fulfil his potential, with Giroud in the ranks he is unlikely to receive this at Arsenal.