Arsenal are reportedly set to lose one of their star assets in the form of Olivier Giroud when the transfer window opens next month. The striker has failed to make a Premier League start for Arsenal this season and has only come on from the bench. In a recent interview with L’Equipe, Giroud admitted: “I have the World Cup at the back of my mind weekly, almost daily. Each time I go onto the pitch, it’s to be more clinical and keep on track for the World Cup.”
When asked about his desire to switch clubs in January, the striker added: “During international get-togethers, the coach usually warns me against that. He has told me the things he wanted to tell me, which is totally logical and I understand. He wants me to play more. If I wasn’t able to leave this summer, it was because of the opportunities I had. It wouldn’t have been good to leave for leaving’s sake, but it’s certain that eventually, even in January, I’m going to have to ask myself the question again. It won’t be easy to find the right solution and take the right decision, but we’ll look at the opportunities.”
The 31-year-old came on to score a crucial equaliser against Southampton which helped the Gunners earn a point in their last game. With first-team chances limited for the forward, he might finally decide to leave the Emirates in search of more football with the 2018 FIFA World Cup looming on the horizon.
So let’s take a look at three options for Arsene Wenger to replace his star forward next month.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
The Gabon forward has been in sensational form for Dortmund this season which has seen him score 20 goals in 21 appearances for the Bundesliga club. However, he has had some issues with his conduct recently and was also red-carded in their match against Schalke 04 when Dortmund were 4-0 up. Schalke 04 came back to share the spoils with BVB after the centre-forward’s dismissal which has left his club down. Arsenal might be able to seize the opportunity by moving in for him in January. The possibility of a strikeforce featuring Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is something that every Gunners fan would dream of!
Jamie Vardy
Arsenal can look to sign the Leicester City forward to replace Giroud. His goal-scoring record in the Premier League is excellent and he can be an ideal fit for the Gunners as they look to fight in four different competitions going into the second half of the season. Vardy has scored 7 times in 17 appearances for the Foxes this season.
Charlie Austin
The former Queens Park Rangers forward has been in outstanding form for Southampton lately which has seen him score the opener against the Gunners on Saturday. He won’t mind playing second-fiddle to Alexandre Lacazette which makes him a potential option for Arsene Wenger in January. The striker has scored five goals this season so far.
