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The Football Space Arsenal expert Ollie Turner looks at some options for Arsenal to finally replace Dennis Bergkamp with.
Departures from Arsenal have been of higher profile than arrivals since the side’s most recent trophy success, some eight years ago. Players offloaded for cash have taken the majority of press attention, namely Van Persie and Cesc Fabregas, however the retirement of one Dutchman in 2006 has left a void that is yet to be filled.
Dennis Bergkamp, now 44, is one of the most gifted forwards of the Premiership era. With the technique to rival anyone, combined with both passing vision and finishing prowess, it’s no wonder that Thierry Henry once described him as a ‘dream for a striker’. And this is exactly what Arsenal are lacking currently; a man to be deployed chiefly as a provider for the main striker, but someone who can pop up with a few goals himself.
So who are the options?
Stevan Jovetic
Stevan Jovetic
Age: 23Club: FiorentinaPrice: £24 million
Transfer Possibility: 7/10. One of Arsenal’s main targets this summer. The Montenegro forward likes to roam wherever the space is behind the front line. Jovetic boasts a decent finish but most importantly, bags of technical ability.
His performances for club and country have led to a race for his signature between many of the top English sides; Arsenal will face competition from both Manchester United and City if they wish to gain his signature.
Luis Suarez
Luis Suarez
Age: 26Club: LiverpoolPrice: £39 million
Transfer Possibility: 2/10. A reported bid of £30 million was rejected from the Gunners this week, but the sincerity behind this offer is questionable. If it were to go through, the Uruguayan forward would certainly fit the bill.
Suarez holds feet as quick as anyone in the league and footballing intelligence far exceeding many top forwards. Still, the forward is likely to move abroad and away from the stigma he holds in England, however.
Cesc Fabregas
Cesc Fabregas
Age: 26Club: FC BarcelonaPrice: £25-35 million
Transfer Possibility: 5/10. Fabregas is still regarded as a legend by most Gunners. Wenger originally crafted the Spaniard into the attacking midfielder the team was missing after Bergkamp’s departure, so would naturally be the perfect suitor to come back and fill the void.
He has consistently stated that if he were to leave Barcelona, it would be to return to the Emirates. Reports suggest that a bid of £25 million would be sufficient to retrieve his services (due to Arsenal’s first-option clause as part of his original transfer to the Nou Camp), but the chances of the Spain midfielder returning remain slim after he stated earlier in the summer that he had planed to stay in Catalonia for ‘many years’.
Stephan El-Shaarawy
Stephan El-Shaarawy
Age: 20Club: AC MilanPrice: £23 million
Transfer Possibility: 4/10. Rumours that the Italian could move to the Emirates began in January, with El Shaarawy slightly out of favour in Milan, and Arsenal running short on goals and that bit of spark in the final third.
The Italian is known for his outrageous haircut along with trickery and skill around the opponent’s penalty area. A good fit, but as the summer goes on, the chances of him renewing his contract at AC Milan seem to be growing.
You can read more of Ollie’s thoughts on Arsenal at his blog arsenalcrescit.wordpress.com.
