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Arsenal fans are dreaming their club signs a new striker this month, but with not much quality available in the winter window, who would be the perfect, realistic signing? Whilst it would be difficult, there weren’t many strikers in Europe on better form than Giuseppe Rossi. Although the striker is out for a lengthy period, after sustaining another injury to his knee, would the striker have been perfect for Arsenal?
Rossi has set the Serie A alight this season, scoring 14 goals in his 18 league games so far. He is fulfilling his potential following years of staggered progress. With a good goal scoring record throughout his career, Rossi has struggled to shrug off injury problems, which has left him, so far, failing to reach the heights many once expected of him. He is now showing prolific goal scoring form at senior level in a top European league. The Italian also has 29 caps for his country, scoring seven goals.
Rossi plays upfront alone for Fiorentina, and so would have no trouble in adapting to Arsenal’s lone striker system. However he does not fit the usual mould of an Arsenal front man. He isn’t the type of player to hold it up and be a strong, tall target in the box, he is a goalscorer. Standing at just 5ft 8, Rossi would offer an alternative to Giroud and Bendtner. He has the ability to offer more than just a poacher like option. Known for his passing and link up ability, he would not be lost and out of the game, like many poachers are for so often in games. This is illustrated by his 82% pass accuracy and 21 chances created this season. Giroud, so often the provider for Arsenal, has managed 24 key passes, and only completes 68% of his passes.
Giuseppe Rossi Chances CreatedHis quick, nippy style is what some Arsenal fans have been asking for for a long time in their forward department. He isn’t the fastest, but he is certainly quicker than Giroud and Bendtner, and combined with brilliant balance and guile, Rossi is an excellent striker. He has a brilliant work rate, and is also known for his long shot ability. He has managed 19 take ons this season, compared to Giroud’s 13. An area where he is obviously weak is in aerial duels, winning just nine all season, compared to Giroud who has won 84. Playing Rossi up front alone would obviously have to see Arsenal take a slightly different approach to attacking, but it is something that would be welcomed, as they are often predictable, especially against the bigger sides in the Premier League, who are able to stop their main threats easily.
It’s a shame that Rossi has sustained another long-term injury, as he would have been a perfect option for Arsenal. However, if the striker can improve the strength and durability of his knee and get back to his lethal goalscoring ways, he could be a decent option for the Gunners in the future.
