In a recent report, The Times (subscription required) stated that Arsenal have identified Feyenoord forward Santiago Gimenez as a target for the January transfer window. It has been revealed that the Gunners are eyeing the Mexican talent as an alternative to Brentford’s Ivan Toney this winter.
Gimenez’s Impressive Form In The Dutch Eredivisie
Gimenez has enjoyed a rich vein of form at the Dutch club this season as he has put in a series of productive displays as the focal point of their attack. The 22-year-old has banged in nine goals and grabbed a couple of assists in seven matches for Feyenoord during this campaign in multiple competitions.
The Mexican striker has led the line well by averaging 4.2 shots, 1.3 key passes and 1.2 dribbles per game in the Dutch Eredivisie. However, he needs to work on improving his link-up play up top based on his pass completion rate of 73.6% in the Dutch top-flight (stats via whoscored).
His current contract at the Dutch club will run out in the summer of 2027. Hence, the Gunners will have to make a big offer if they are serious about signing Gimenez this January.
What Will Gimenez Bring To Arsenal?
Gimenez is a technically gifted forward who excels at creating a yard of space for himself to get some strikes in at goal. He can be a decent finisher in the final third and has got the vision to play a few decisive passes in the opponent’s half. The Mexican sensation is a good dribbler with the ball as well but needs to work on improving his link-up play up top.
We can expect Gimenez to bring more goals to Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta‘s frontline. He is good enough to offer some healthy competition for Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah at the North London club next year.
At 22, the future looks quite promising for Gimenez, so Arteta should go all out to land him this winter. However, there are some concerns over whether he can cope with the physical side and high intensity of Premier League football if the Gunners manage to get him on board in January.
