A final scouting blog of the decade from the unstoppable Mike McDonald. Follow him @mike_mmcdonald
Who could replace Laca/Auba?
Pete asked me to start writing these transfer blogs a few months ago.
I thought I’d have the privilege of writing maybe two as at that time it looked like we needed a DM and a CB or two.
A DM, CB, RB, LB and CM blog later it looks like Arsenal could be selling the whole squad, so happily I get to continue writing!
So, why a striker blog?
Got a feeling that Lacazette could be off to raise money for our club who aren’t flush with it. Most would choose a DM, a CB or two and a CM as a priority.
Aubameyang could be off too due to his age/contract demands, wanting to give ‘a Real Madrid’ a shot and quite honestly, I think his relationship with Lacazette dramatically affects his mood and maybe the #1 reason why both play together (too often).
At this point a decision has to be made about Nketiah and Martinelli in particular. No doubt John-Jules and Balogun want to see a pathway too.
If the decision is to promote one of them to replace Auba/Laca or both (unlikely), then perhaps we buy a winger (a blog for another day).
Before you read the striker profiles there are possibilities in players that you already know.
Barcelona are considering replacing Luis Suarez with Lautaro Martinez. If that happens then I see Suarez going to Inter Miami as Beckham’s star player. Either way, don’t rule out Luis Suarez.
Is Gabriel Jesus finally going to give up trying to become first-team regular?
Looks like Edinson Cavani, who is out of favour at PSG, is off to A.Madrid. Shame. Could be a superhero at Arsenal.
Thomas Muller is more of an AM, but I’ve always wondered if he’d be a top CF. Has all the qualities.
Finally, if Auba or Laca leave in January there is a certain Frenchman down at Chelsea who is trying to get out at Chelsea to secure his Euro’s spot. Giroud on loan?
Here are 8 to consider:
The obvious choice
Name: Moussa Dembele
Position: CF
Age: 23
Height: 6ft
Club: Lyon
Nationality: France U-23
Potential fee: £50M
https://youtu.be/S5iz5f7x8FI
About: Somewhat of a Lacazette clone except less clumsy, more comfortable with the ball and quicker.
I think Lacazette is an 7/10 striker. I think Dembele is an 8/10.
Taller and better in the air as well. Dembele has done his apprenticeship at Fulham (did they have two Moussa Dembele’s at the same time?) then Celtic then onto Lyon so Arsenal seems like a logical step.
May rule himself out of a move to a team trying to press from the front if he can’t demonstrate a keener willingness off the ball, however.
There is just something so logical about Dembele replacing Lacazette though.
Others in this category…. Timo Werner (RB Leipzig), Andrea Belotti (Torino)
The beast type
Name: Duvan Zapata
Position: CF
Age: 28
Height: 6ft 1
Club: Atalanta (on loan from Sampdoria)
Nationality: Colombia
Potential fee: 40M
https://youtu.be/ZUmP4fptSuo
About: If Duvan Zapata was 23 he’d be one of the hottest, most expensive prospects in Europe.
It’s not easy to score lots of goals in Serie A and Zapata can’t stop.
The Colombian is hard to handle.
Arguably his best quality is his determination in the box. He comes alive. Most strikers want to score but don’t feel like they have to score. Most centre backs play like they have to clear the ball.
Zapata has a centre backs mentality. You get the impression that he feels like he hasto score.
Would also offer Arsenal the physical option that’s needed especially when playing out of the back becomes too risky.
Currently recovering from an abductor strain.
Others in this category…. Hulk (Shanghai SIPG), Milik (Napoli)
The Henry conversion
Name: Rafael Leao
Position: LF but….
Age: 20
Height: 6ft2
Club: AC Milan
Nationality: Portuguese
Potential fee: £35M
About: AC Milan are again in a financial mess. Gazidis.
Remember how we snaffled Vieira, Bergkamp and Henry from Serie A?
All were struggling.
We converted Henry from LW to CF.
I’m not saying Leao is as good. I am saying that he has HUGE potential.
Like Henry, he is an athletic specimen like few others. An inverted winger. Quick, fast and skilful and currently plays with his right foot on the left-wing. Much like Martinelli, he looks like he should be a CF. Similar lightning acceleration.
I’ve also been wondering if we need to find a friend for Pepe to get the best out of Pepe. Leao and Pepe had an excellent partnership at Lille.
Others in this category…. Sane (City), Rebic (AC Milan), Traore (Wolves), Hee Chang Hwan (Salzburg)
The hidden superstar
Name: Josef Martinez
Position: CF
Age: 27
Height: 5ft 7
Club: Atlanta Utd
Nationality: Venezuela
Potential fee: 35M
About: I’m not sure if I’d go for JM as a first choice as that is a big gamble.
I will say this though… I’d definitely get him as a back up at CF for Arsenal. A Lacazette replacement. Definitely.
Before you discount the fact that he is an MLS player understand that the standard is better than you may think. In a league where Zlatan had his way, Josef Martinez scored 31 to Zlatan’s 32.
A diminutive dynamo. Quick, beautiful feet, elusive movement and ice cool in front of goal.
For his height he is extremely good in the air.
Martinez would not be intimidated by playing in front of big, noisy, passionate fans either. I’ve been to see Atl. Utd three times in their world class 70,000 maxed out modern Mercedes-Benz stadium.
If it helps, his stature and style is most similar to Sergio Aguero and Lautaro Martinez.
If you are going to watch only one of these videos, watch this one.
Others in this category…. Jan Fiete-Arp (Bayern Munich), Odsonne Edouard (Celtic), Myron Boadu (AZ Alkmaar, Gian-Luca Waldschmidt (Freiburg)
The rumour
Name: Kevin Volland
Position: Flexible forward
Age: 27
Height: 5ft 10
Club: Bayer Leverkusen
Nationality: Germany
Potential fee: 22M
About: It makes good sense that Arsenal have been linked to Kevin Volland. A versatile forward who has player all across the front line and seems to be equally comfortable in all three areas. A modern day pressing trigger with a fine left foot. A barrel-chested, strong and quick striker. Been in and out of the German squad.
Others in this category…. Dries Mertens (Napoli), Donyell Malen (PSV, former Arsenal)
The available ones
Name: Krystof Piatek
Position: CF
Age: 24
Height: 6ft
Club: AC Milan
Nationality: Poland
Potential fee: 30M or possible loan
https://youtu.be/55Wnm_WivDk
About: A risk as he’s gone off form this season but last season he was one of the fire strikers in Europe. The perfect build for a CF.
I see a very possible short term loan situation as Ibrahimovic waltzes in the door at AC Milan.
Piatek, if he worked out, could really add to Arsenal. His willingness to come on loan (he’s a Gooner) would add to his desire, but it’s his aerial ability and his age that is most appealing. Arsenal have almost zero aerial threat unless Martinelli is in the box and sure need help at defending set-plays too, as we tend to only have 3 on the field that are able to help. His age (24) is perfect for the upside of resale and years of service.
Piatek is a little of everything.
Two footed, fantastic deceptive Van Persiesque movement coupled with willing and able link play.
He will be highly motivated to play these last three months or he will sit the bench at the Euro’s and watch Lewandowski and/or Milik.
Only risk I see is recovering his form.
Name: Paco Alcacer
Position: CF
Age: 26
Height: 5ft 9
Club: Dortmund
Nationality: Spain
Potential fee: 20M
About: Paco Alcacer wasn’t on my list to profile. He was in the short list below. I then saw that Haland has signed for Dortmund and looked at who was going to be expendable. Reus has always seemed like an Arsenal player but he’s club captain and at a better team. By the time you read this, Alcacer could be on his way to A. Madrid. That’s fine. We can have Cavani 🙂
Alcacer has had a weird career of late. Made choices that others looking on knew would see him be an impact sub and little more. The thing is though, he is one of the best in Europe at this role. Who doesn’t want that type in your squad?
A hungry, energetic, diminutive striker who is as clinical as the best (goals per minutes played). Quick and capable of scoring from anywhere including set plays. A club that trusts him could get a treat as I don’t think he’s been trusted at Barca and BD and he’s probably hungry. A potential bargain too.
Name: Luka Jovic
Position: CF
Age: 22
Height: 5ft 11
Club: Real Madrid
Nationality: Serbian
Potential fee: £35M or possible loan
About: In short, the right-footed version of Piatek. On fire last season in a highly successful front line at Frankfurt but was tempted by Real and took the chance when most saw his chances as limited. Capable and proven at scoring with both feet as well as aerially. High-level acceleration too. Nightmare for defenders as he adds pressing as a weapon to aggravate.
Most interesting part of his game is when watching him attack crosses. Most CF’s hit the six yard box. Jovic has a tendency to delay his runs and attack the space between the defensive lines.
Again, like Piatek, a short term loan leading to a possible transfer could prove to be valuable acquisition for Arsenal. Real Madrid are the least shy club in world football at buying the in vogue player, sitting him on the bench after losing patience after 3 minutes, selling and doing the same again. Clubs like Arsenal can benefit from their impatience.
Others in this category….Kevin Gameiro (Sevilla), Junior Morares (Shaktar Donetsk), Mariano Diaz (Real Madrid), Angel Correa (A. Madrid)
My choice:
I’m less concerned than others at PEA dropping off physically in his 30’s. He’s rapid and not slowing down it seems and he’s already 30. I’d offer him another contract.
I’d sell Lacazette to raise money to buy N’didi.
If Auba leaves, I’d initially go for Edinson Cavani. Been a goal scoring machine everywhere.
I think we’ve missed out on him so I’d go for Adama Traore and convert him to a striker. Frightening player.
If both leave I’d sign Josef Martinez too.
It was hard to ignore Rafael Leao as he is going to the top. He will end up at Wolves with the rest of the Portugal national team.
Arsenal will go for…
I think the first round of big money goes on a CB and a midfielder, so I think if Lacazette leaves in January, Arsenal will go for Arsenal fan, Kysysztof Piatek, on loan from AC Milan who will be surplus to the ego of Zlatan.
I just don’t think it’s smart to sell Aubameyang as we’d be in the relegation zone without his goals and I feel sure Arsenal feel the same way.
In the summer I see Arteta wanting the type of forward that City had so I see Arsenal trying to tempt Gabriel Jesus.
Check out my review blog ‘Positives, Needs and Hopes’ @mike_mmcdonald after every Arsenal game!
Tell me who YOU would sign in the comments.
Happy New Year Arsenal’s problems this season are down to a variety of factors not least an unbalanced squad, brittle defence and fairly poor and inexperienced midfield. Emery was without question the wrong head coach to replace Wenger and his failure to build a solid team plus the constant turnover of personnel and tactics has undoubtedly impacted on the team’s performance and confidence. Arteta has made sofar small changes specifically in way we play and has reintroduced Ozil and Torreira to the team. Some might argue that Ozil is a mistake, but I think that may not be the case… Read more »
Lets be honest the squad has been rusting away for the past few years with no noticeable improvements, no solid investment structure from the owners, just panic buys to plug the gaps when players have left for little financial gain. This has left us in a perilous situation, particularly with our glut of long term injuries at present. And people really believe that top class players from around the world will be making tracks to Arsenal? When your marquee players want out only the dregs and the desperate will be incoming. So don’t ‘dis’ the notion of a striker from… Read more »
Happy new year. Wish you and Arsenal a great decade ahead! Finally…. someone to try take on the self appointed ruler of the PL., the almighty Mike Riley Club., on VAR. See below. Presumably the cited frame rate is correct, PL clubs could sue the FA or better still the Mike Riley Club. Technically you cannot judge anything within 6 inches and that even assumes cameras and equipment are calibrated properly. —— 7amkickoff runs below (excerpted) What we don’t want is a 3-minute delay after nearly every goal while officials use flawed video replay to see if a player’s toe… Read more »
”If true Barca and Inter Milan want Auba this TW“
Tony , let the auction begin…
Happy new year guys
Do have a great 2020.
If the cameras are running at 30fps minimum then how fast does a player have to be moving to make 6 inches of ground in 1 frame?
Also re any FPS issues, is there a reason why we can’t use 60fps cameras in 2020? Wildlife documentaries have been using these and probably higher for a solid decade
I don’t think frame rates needs to be a serious issue in 2020
Happy new year sid
Happy new year wishes Ladies
I think that there is a big chance that auba leaves this TW and perhaps lacazette too next summer.
Not a big deal thou. What the club needs isnt them both atm but rather a world class number 8 ala cazorla and a monstrous CB to partner luiz in defence.
Socratis has been a dissappointment as a signing and now that chambers looks to be out there is a dire need for someone fast and agressive to partner luiz who can pass the ball too.. not an easy player to find….
So Chelsea have reported a 100m loss for 2019 but are still FFP compliant yet last January we couldn’t sign players outside of a loan because of FFP
If anyone can explain the above in a way that makes sense and is fair I’ll be impressed
So it’s build a team around Ozil and keep Xhaka from Arteta.
Can’t wait for the next Arteta installment induced by press/ John Cross click bait.
https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/mikel-arteta-says-ready-build-21191727
China There are two important rules in FFP : 1.Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR) – This rule aims to ensure that clubs do not obtain uncontrollable debts by stating that clubs are only allowed to lose £105 million within a 3-year period. Cumulative loss of both Chelsea and Arsenal in last 3 years is less than £100M. Thus, this clause doesn’t impact either Chelsea or Arsenal. 2. Short Term Cost Control (STCC) : This rule ensures that clubs wage bills do not grow to an unsustainable level. Currently clubs are only permitted to increase their wage bill by £7 million… Read more »
Maybe this Jan transfer window will show us if we turn into a new liverpool or not.
In the negative sense i think we may have to wait until we luck out with a suarez/coutinho kind of sales.
Dont see our owners injecting any more money.
‘The technology will get better. Perhaps we will increase framerates or even better, there will be GPS locators on the players and the ball will be fitted with GPS and an accelerometer.”
Blah, blah, blah.
VAR is working just as it was intended:
https://footballisfixed.blogspot.com
Looking at the first 2 games under Arteta, our best spells in the games have coincided with Ozil being at his most influential. Bournemouth and Chelsea had to change their formation to counter Ozil’s influence on the game. This sets up a bit of a conundrum regarding Ozil for Arteta. In both games Arteta allowed the opposition to nullify Ozil’s game which also nullified Arsenal’s game ,without reaction from Arteta. The opposition closed down the passing between the lines to Ozil, meaning Arsenal had to play more down our left side , especially against Bournemouth and Ozil faded In both… Read more »
Arteta wants Ozil to maintain a work ethic and for the players to play to their strength not once in the article does it say he will build a team around him.
‘ Asked whether he wished to build his team around Ozil, the Arsenal manager answered: ‘No, I put him in the team if I see every day that his attitude, desire and understanding of what we’re trying to do is there. He has the will and if he is in a better moment than somebody else, I will pick him. The moment this changes, he won’t play.’’
Happy new year Everyone. The Auba puzzle. He is a lethal striker but not a lot to offer other than that. That’s why he sees so little of the ball when we are under pressure and he is playing upfront. In a well oiled machine he really looks great. but In a team like ours he also compounds our weaknesses. He can’t create his own chances, He doesn’t have dribbling ability and he can’t hold the ball up to bring others into play. Lacazette has been poor no doubt about that this season. He isn’t as lethal as Aubameyang. But… Read more »
Thanks useroz. Interesting read on the framerate bit, some quick calculation with a average speed of 30km/h (keep in mind quick players like pea can get upto 35-38km/h) gives 1181000 inches travelled by the player per hour or 328 inches/second. Even assuming 60fps that still 5.4 inches per frame at 30 fps close to 11. Which essentially means the video ref can never know for sure the distance travelled between 2 frames. Unless we get upto 240 fps, measuring inches on a video screen is essentially the ref picking a frame they are comfortable pointing to and actually has nothing… Read more »
Pogba wont play tonight, might make a difference, probably not.
Let’s not just copy part of the message that fits one’s agenda. Arteta had also this to say during the post game interview.
“He needs the team to play in a certain way to facilitate and take his strengths more and more in the game. That’s what we are trying to do.”
I see why Arteta wants to keep Xhaka. He offers another channel to send the ball to the final third in case the opponent puts more manpower to close down Ozil.
new post!
Lego Hair “‘ Asked whether he wished to build his team around Ozil, the Arsenal manager answered: ‘No, I put him in the team if I see every day that his attitude, desire and understanding of what we’re trying to do is there. He has the will and if he is in a better moment than somebody else, I will pick him. The moment this changes, he won’t play.’’ Right rules ..its the team that matters . Personally, I am 50/50 as to whether Ozil can maintain the energy levels that Arteta requires and probably Arteta feels the same. Maybe… Read more »