In recent years, Arsenal have missed an out and out striker. Olivier Giroud is one, but he’s never quite been prolific and the void left by Robin Van Persie still remains. Alexis Sanchez has currently taken over that mantle and the Chilean has been successful but there will always be calls to sign an out and out proven striker that can finally transform the Gunners into genuine title contenders. Edinson Cavani is one name that has constantly been thrown around.
The Uruguayan has been prolific since coming to Europe. It was rumored that Arsenal would be interested in signing him. He did his reputation no harm when he scored a goal 44 seconds into the Champions League encounter with Arsenal. But he also missed a whole host of other chances and was made to pay for it as Alexis snatched a late goal in Paris.
Signing him would be a huge mistake for Wenger as he’s on the wrong side of his career. About to turn 30 and given the fee PSG paid to bring him in from Napoli, it’s likely they will want to make back most of that. Wenger, with the signings of Xhaka and Mustafi has of course shown that if the player has quality, he does not mind shelling out the millions to get him on board.
But Edinson Cavani does not have that world class quality. Wenger and Arsenal must avoid signing Edinson Cavani as he is inconsistent and tends to score sparingly. He also tends to go missing in games. Another reason for Wenger to not go for him would be his disciplinary issues, which PSG have repeatedly seen the wrath of. Wenger has always liked his players to be low-key and do more of the talking on the pitch. Edinson Cavani is someone who could destroy this harmony in the Gunners’ dressing room.
3 alternatives for Edinson Cavani
Pierre- Emerick Aubameyang
The Gabonese striker first came to Europe when he signed for AC Milan. His Italian adventure didn’t go quite right and he moved to Saint-Etienne in France. This is where he made a real name for himself. He earned himself a move to Borussia Dortmund in the coming years and he hasn’t looked back since then. He has established himself as one of the best strikers in world football. His pace and power would certainly add a lot to Arsenal’s frontline. If Wenger is truly interested in buying a striker, he should look at Aubameyang. Both Aubameyang and Cavani are in a similar price bracket and the Gabonese frontman, still 27, would be a better bet.
Karim Benzema
This one has been doing the rounds for quite some time now. Benzema is perennially linked with a move to Arsenal but nothing ever materializes. Wenger is clearly a fan of the striker but has never been able to prize him away from the Bernabeu. It’s hard to understand why Benzema would want to leave such a star-studded squad that is guaranteed to win some silverware every year. But if and when he should become available, Wenger should bring him to the Emirates.
Jamie Vardy
Yes, that’s right. Jamie Vardy. The Leicester striker famously turned down Arsenal and Arsene Wenger in the summer and one can only wonder if he regrets that decision. Leicester are failing badly to replicate their last season wonder. The Champions seem to have lost their mojo and Vardy remains the only one punching above his weight to ensure they don’t suffer an embarrassing season. If moves for other strikers don’t materialize, Wenger should look to go back to Vardy, who is not only a cheaper alternative but also a very decent player on his day. His ability to stretch defences and press hard would definitely help Arsenal and get them on the front foot from the very off.