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Arsenal: Striker to snub Chelsea; Germany winger linked; European giants after Sanchez
As is the case with every summer transfer window, Arsenal have been linked with a vast number of top quality players as they look to improve the squad sufficiently to win a first league title since the Invincibles side of 2003/04. Arsene Wenger is notoriously frugal with his budget, but that hasn’t stopped the rumours of big money transfer targets arriving at the Emirates this summer.
One name that the Gunners have found themselves persistently linked with this summer is Alvaro Morata, who scored an impressive three goals in four outings for Spain at the Euros this summer. Morata, who returned to Real Madrid from Juventus this summer, is up for sale, but the Champions of Europe for his services.
Arsenal have been given a helping hand in their pursuit of Morata as the striker reportedly would prefer a move to the Emirates rather than Chelsea. The Blues would have no trouble paying the extortionate transfer fee and wage demands that it would take to sign Morata, but Arsenal still seems like a more likely destination.
The Spaniard would represent a good fit for Wenger. After already plugging one hole in the team with the signing of Granit Xhaka from Borussia Moenchengladbach, signing a forward of Morata’s quality would improve another area where Arsenal have been weak over the years.
He performed well for Spain in the Euros, aside from the first game against the Czech Republic, when he camped himself in the box and gobbled up the chances laid on for him by Spain’s creative midfielders. In terms of style, Arsenal are the team in the Premier League who play most like the Spanish, with plenty of ball possession and usually just need a striker to put the chances away.
Another striker who has been heavily to Arsenal is Lyon forward Alexandre Lacazette. The Frenchman scored 21 Ligue 1 goals last season, and would be available for around £43 million. This would make Lacazette an expensive signing, but still a much cheaper alternative to Morata.
Lacazette is certainly an excellent striker, and would probably represent an upgrade on Olivier Giroud, but he may not fit into the Arsenal style as neatly as Morata. One of the Frenchman’s greatest weapons is his pace, and teams tend to sit deep against Arsenal, which would deny Lacazette the chance to get in behind teams and score goals on the counter attack.
He is more than a good enough player to fit into Arsenal’s current system, as he is a fabulous finisher and can hold the ball up well enough, but Morata would be a better fit for the Gunners. However, should they miss out or refuse to pay for the Spaniard, Lacazette would be a very good option as a back-up.
Thirdly, Germany winger Julian Draxler is the latest to find his name to Arsenal after some impressive showings in the Euros. Arsenal’s name is often associated with attacking midfielders, mainly thanks to Wenger’s love of tiny playmakers, but Draxler would certainly add something different to the Gunners’ front line.
Standing at 6’2″, the Wolfsburg winger is much more of a physical and direct threat to anything Arsenal have at the moment. Not afraid to take players on or get in behind the opposition, Draxler could shine in the company of Alexis Sanchez and international team mate Mesut Özil.
With Manchester United also rumoured to be interested, Draxler would certainly appear to be a better fit for Arsenal than Jose Mourinho’s side, but whether Wenger goes for the transfer is another matter.
Finally, star man Alexis Sanchez has been targeted by Juventus, according to the Express. Arsenal have already turned down a bid for Sanchez from the Italian giants, and the Chilean’s agent is said to have told the club of his client’s desire to leave North London.
Whilst this rumour has yet to be confirmed, it would represent a massive blow to Wenger ahead of the new season. 27-year-old Sanchez has been the star of Arsenal’s attacking midfield in his two years at the club, terrifying defenders with his pace and strength, whilst lashing in plenty of goals with his brutal shooting. Arsenal would be wise to attempt to hold onto Sanchez, and hold out for as large an offer as possible in order to ward off Juventus.
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