According to Le10Sport, Arsenal have set their sights on Raul Jimenez. The Wolverhampton Wanderers striker has been identified as a top target amid rumours linking Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang with a move away from Emirates. Even Alexandre Lacazette has emerged as a subject of interest for top clubs, including Juventus. As a result, the Gunners are now looking at the possibility of signing Jimenez.
What can Jimenez bring to the table?
Jimenez has impressed the onlookers with his work-rate and physical prowess ever since moving to England. He has gone through a massive development under Nuno Espirito Santo, which, in turn, has been critical to Wolves’ rapid rise to prominence in the Premier League.
This season, in particular, Jimenez has netted 17 goals in 37 matches, becoming one of the league’s highest goalscorers. It is also almost one-third of the total goals Wolves have scored as a whole unit this term, meaning his goals were critical in helping the team consistently fight for a Europa League spot despite a somewhat slow start to the campaign.
Aside from his goalscoring prowess and physicality, Jimenez’s tall 190m frame gives him a considerable advantage in the air. In fact, the Mexican international has won 2.3 headed duels per game, which is quite impressive for a striker. Additionally, he has averaged over three shots on goal per game, indicating his willingness to test the opposing ‘keeper.
Is Jimenez a good fit for Arsenal?
Arsenal clearly need some reinforcements in the attacking department, especially in the event of the potential departures of Lacazette and Aubameyang, who, in truth, have been the only source of goals for the Gunners in recent years. And in Jimenez, they can find someone who is more than capable of replacing these two individuals in the number nine slot.
As a matter of fact, the Wolves star can even be an upgrade over someone like Lacazette, thanks to the aerial and physical presence he brings into the final third. Also, his fighting spirit should tune in well with the sort of aura Mikel Arteta has brought into the Arsenal team this year.
At the same time, Jimenez is a proven goalscorer, who has already established himself as one of Premier League’s best strikers, thus making him an ideal signing for the north London giants.
It is, however, fair to point out that Arsenal may find it challenging to convince Jimenez to move to Emirates without being able to secure European football. A lot could depend on whether or not they manage to win the FA Cup against Chelsea next week.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored