West Ham United are reportedly plotting a £50 million bid for Arsenal’s forward duo Olivier Giroud and Theo Walcott. As lighthearted as it sounds to many, it seems that the Hammers haven’t learnt anything from their transfer disaster last season. One of the Premier League giants, Arsenal are touted by many to make a comeback next season which would be mean them holding on to their star players.
And given the predicament the club board and the manager are in at the moment, leaving their performing players would be a suicidal move for the North London side. Arsenal have been busy in the transfer market to bring in offensive reinforcements with Ligue 1 forward Alexandre Lacazette a viable option as the club comes close to a negotiation every week.
But, even that wouldn’t possibly mean Arsenal letting go of their forwards, let alone both at such a price. West Ham have struggled hugely in their attack last season as all their forwards- Simone Zaza, Andy Carroll and Andre Ayew- were out of touch. The Hammers could only score 47 goals in 36 games last term and finished just 11 points above the relegation zone.
Although they have got back Enner Valencia from Everton after a promising season at Goodison Park, Bilic would need more competition up front to get in results throughout the entire gruelling season. And although Giroud and Walcott would be a decent addition for any side, Arsenal aren’t leaving them now, not at least this time.
Arsenal will be playing in the Europa League after almost two decades, and they are well aware of the hectic schedule that the tournament brings with it. Wenger would need his B-side to be inconsistent form in the midweek giving his first team to churn out results on the weekends. That makes the services of Giroud and Walcott all the more vital for the next season.
Apart from that, Arsenal would find it extremely difficult to find a replacement for Olivier Giroud. The towering forward has been immensely effective for the club as well as the country since returning from injury last season. Although he managed only 17 starts last term, Giroud bagged 16 goals for Arsenal in all competitions.
And as far as Walcott is concerned, the English striker ended the season as Arsenal’s top scorer after Alexis Sanchez with a whopping 19 goals in 37 appearances. Although Wenger’s three-man defence and employing wing-backs have left him with little to offer, his finesse and the tremendous pace is something Arsenal value a lot.
