Could Arsenal target Loic Remy be seeking a January transfer switch?

Newcastle vs Chelsea – Loic Remy

Having watched Olivier Giroud’s back-up, Nicklas Bendtner, struggle mightily against Chelsea in the Capital One Cup, there’s little doubt now that Arsenal must buy another striker. The Daily Mirror report that Loic Remy, isn’t completely settled playing on loan at Newcastle United.

So should Arsenal target the French hot-shot, if he becomes available?

Having played at international level with Giroud, there’s no doubt that the two could rekindle their connection and give Arsenal’s attack another level of depth when on the field. Remy is a prolific goal-scorer who always manages to get the ball in the back of the net, and if he can continue his production in the Premier League so far at the Emirates, would be a great signing.

Remy netted six goals in 13 starting appearances for QPR last year at a conversion rate of 21.4 percent.

Statistically, that number was significantly higher than Giroud’s was, and Remy has proven that such a figure was no fluke—repeating that form throughout the start of this year as well.

Remy has six goals from just 19 chances—a conversion rate of 31.6 percent. Of the players to score more goals than him this season, only Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero has a greater conversion rate than Remy (and only just too, with 35 percent).

The 26-year-old wouldn’t offer the same aerial presence that Giroud might (winning just 41 percent of his attempted headers this season), but it must be noted that the Gunners—courtesy of the arrival of Mesut Ozil—aren’t as reliant on aerial attacks anymore.

Much of their play is taking place on the ground around the penalty box, which for an instinctive poacher like Remy, could mean some impressive numbers in the goal-scoring column.

He is willing to take defenders on and try to create opportunities in attack, and it’s important to note that were he to join Arsenal, his 41 percent success rate in take-ons would likely improve. His pace would also offer a different dimension to an attack sometimes missing the direct running of Theo Walcott.

He wouldn’t be having to attempt as much in attack given that he would have some of the best goal-creators in world football behind him such as Santi Cazorla, Aaron Ramsey and Ozil, with that trio likely to produce chances much more effectively than what he’s currently receiving at St. James’ Park.

Remy is certainly an option worth pursuing by the North Londoners this January.