On the 17th of August 2012 Manchester United signed a peak Robin Van Persie from Arsenal for around £23 million. Four years later Manchester United sign Zlatan Ibrahimović, while Arsenal still have not appropriately replaced their former world-class striker, Robin Van Persie.
It comes to a stage of humiliation at this point. Yes, there are still two months remaining of the summer transfer window, but how many times have we reassured ourselves over the last five years through highlighting the longevity of the transfer window that we will actually be ambitious?
The only first-team striker that Arsenal have signed since the departure of Van Persie is, ironically, Danny Welbeck; who is formerly of Manchester United. Year after year Arsene Wenger leaves the squad short in key areas while leaving Arsenal’s accounts buoyant with finances.
After another unsuccessful domestic season surely it is time to re-evaluate the spine of the Arsenal team. It is not that Olivier Giroud is not good enough, it is the lack of options and versatility we currently have upfront. Giroud’s ability can change games and he can provide a useful outlet upfront for Arsenal as his hold-up play and interchanging with the midfield is suitable for “Wengerball.”
However, we cannot rely on one singular striker to lead us to the title, we need a striker that will take us to the next level, a player that can change the game himself even when against the run of play – like an Ibrahimović or a prime Robin Van Persie.
The longer Wenger waits to sign a striker, the higher the prices become – which only makes the situation more complex. The likes of Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United and PSG are vicious in the transfer window, where they do not hesitate in their pursuit for a particular player.
The competition is rife currently with a number of big clubs having new managers at the helm who have their own ideas on who they want to sign.
The vibe that comes from Arsenal currently is we just do not want to part with the massive transfer fee that is required to sign a top-class striker. Seemingly, we just want to get a bargain – someone like Jamie Vardy.
Come on Wenger, treat yourself, treat the fans, the money is there, so use it.