5 strikers Arsenal could target for next season
Arsenal's current strikers Olivier Giroud and Danny WelbeckArsenal have hit their usual low in the middle of the season crashing out of the Emirates FA Cup and the UEFA Champions League in the same week having already stumbled in the race for the Premier League title. While Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil and Aaron Ramsey can only do so much, the lack of a world-class striker is what continues to plague Arsenal's first legit title chase. With all due respect to Olivier Giroud and Danny Welbeck, Arsenal need a striker who can come in, settle and start off their season on the front foot. While the Frenchman has set up multiple goals for his teammates, with the likes of Ozil, Ramsey and even Jack Wilshere and Santi Cazorla, Arsenal need an out-and-out finisher, a Sergio Aguero, a Robert Lewandowski and the like. In reality, those kind of players are one in a million finds and so, we look at the strikers Arsenal can target next season. Ones who can handle the pressure of being in a club as big as Arsenal and – if not accustomed yet – to the physicality and the pace of the Premier League. Given Arsenal's cash reserves, Wenger is reportedly ready to break the bank to sign a good finisher.
#5 Mauro Icardi
Mauro Icardi is one of the underrated gems Europe has seen play this season. The Argentine – originally from Barcelona's La Masia – burst onto the scene with his performances for Serie A side Sampdoria. Two years there caught the attention of plenty of top clubs and he eventually chose to sign for Inter Milan where he continues to play today.
Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger, is said to be a big fan of Icardi. His patience when on the ball will probably stand out from other young – he's only 23 – strikers. His hold-up play is excellent often willing to release some of his quicker teammates through on goal.
Yet, Icardi's biggest strength is his finishing. While he's suffered from a serious knee injury this season, he's still contributed 12 goals and 1 assist in 26 games for Roberto Mancini's men. Icardi is also capable of the spectacular often willing to take a shot from outside the box.
The biggest disadvantage Icardi would have is that he's probably the slowest one on this list and while Arsenal are built to attack on the counter, smart positioning and timing could help Icardi flourish given he has the likes of Mesut Ozil, Aaron Ramsey, Santi Cazorla and Alexis Sanchez to supply passes.