3 Forwards Arsenal must target to support Olivier Giroud

With Gunners fans crying out for a new forward but Olivier Giroud showing some excellent form this season, Arsenal may look to sign a striker that would not necessarily replace Giroud, but compliment him. The new striker would be capable of leading the line but could also be able play alongside him without disturbing the balance of the side too much.

Wayne Rooney

It is hard to see Manchester United selling Rooney to Arsenal, but with him having just a year left on his contract at the end of the season, they might not have much choice. However, with Chelsea’s recent favour of giving United Mata, if they do sell within the league, surely Chelsea are favourites.

He’s English, which would add to the growing British core of first team players at Arsenal – which includes Gibbs, Jenkinson, Ramsey, Wilshere, Chamberlain and Walcott. He’s Premier League proven and a winner, not only of the Premier League but the Champions League. He has demonstrated for England and Manchester United, his ability to both lead the line and play behind another striker. He is able to play both roles with great quality and would be a brilliant addition to the squad. At 28, he is not a long term option, but his quality is undoubted and even if he can only perform at the top level for 2 or 3 more years, Rooney would be an incredible and perfect addition for the Gunners.

Diego Costa

Arsene Wenger has already declared his admiration for Diego Costa, with a £34 million release clause, he’d probably be a much more realistic target than Wayne Rooney. This is not due to Rooney costing more, (he’d probably cost less), it’s due to the fact activating Costa’s clause immediately allows Arsenal to be able to agree a contract with the player.

Costa has managed almost three times the amount of take ons as Giroud, and this ability is needed in order to compliment a striker of Giroud’s style. When Arsenal midfielders run at defenders it makes them commit and immediately puts oppositions on the back foot, they need a striker of this ilk and Costa fits this specification perfectly.

Marco Reus

Dortmund executive Hans-Joachim Watzke confirmed there is a release clause in Reus’ contract.

“Marco Reus possesses a release clause option in his current contract at our club,” Watzke told SPORT1media. “He could leave our club due to that.”

According to reports the figure is in the region of €35 million. He has managed eight goals and five assists in 15 appearances for disappointing Dortmund this season. Reus is more commonly used out wide or as an attacking midfielder, but during his time with former club Borussia Mönchengladbach proved he is more than capable of playing off the striker.

Reus has managed 38 take ons with a 54% success rate this season, compared to Giroud who has played in three more game but has only managed 13, with a 33% success rate. Combine Reus’ ability to beat a player with Giroud aerial strengths and link up play, and Arsenal would be incredibly hard to stop going forward. He is also the youngest option of the three at 24.

All of the three options are versatile, energetic and goal scorers. Most importantly they all seem to be available in the summer, with Costa and Reus having fixed release clauses. Add someone of this quality to an ever-improving Giroud and Arsenal will have an fearsome strike force.