A couple of weeks ago, it looked almost certain that English striker, Jamie Vardy, was going to sign for Arsenal. But now it looks as though he is going to snub the Gunners and stay with Barclays Premier League Champions, Leicester City.
In an interview with Chinese television, Arsenal boss, Arsene Wenger, admitted that the 29-year-old might likely not play at the Emirates Stadium next season.
His words: “Jamie Vardy is, at the moment, at Leicester and from what I know, he will stay at Leicester.”
The news comes as a massive blow to the Gunners hopes of recruiting the talismanic forward from the Foxes considering the inconsistent nature of Olivier Giroud.
After seemingly missing out on Vardy, who should the Frenchman go for? Here are three superior options to the striker who was just one goal shy of the top scorer crown.
1. Gonzalo Higuain
Higuain is currently in the form of his life, after scoring a crazy 36 goals in 35 league appearances last term, breaking a long-standing Serie A record.
The Argentine forward is a superb finisher of a football, and after such a stellar season, is certainly not lacking in confidence. Over the years, he has remained consistent and has proved he can do it in different leagues, after a relatively successful tenure with Spanish giants Real Madrid before his move to Napoli in 2013.
Higuain would be an asset to Arsenal’s attack and surely the final piece of the jigsaw to enable them to lift the Premier League trophy, although he is unlikely to come on the cheap, with a number of clubs vying for his signature and Napoli keen to only sell for a large fee.
2. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Aubameyang is another striker who had a fantastic campaign in 2015/16, scoring 25 goals in the Bundesliga, second only to Bayern Munich’s Robert Lewandowski in the goal-scoring charts.
Blisteringly quick and with a good finish on him, Aubameyang is a nightmare for opposing teams and often terrorises defences with his relentless pace and desire to score for his team.
Like Higuain, Aubameyang is another one who is not going to come cheaply, with a transfer fee potentially upwards of £50 million.
Nevertheless, if Arsenal and Wenger are serious about attracting a world-class forward; which Pierre-Emerick most definitely is, then they need to throw caution to the wind as somebody with his ability is going to make a difference.
3. Antoine Griezmann
The French star is one of football’s hottest properties right now, after continuing to impress for Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid.
The winger turned striker netted an impressive 22 times in La Liga last season for Atletico, whilst also bagging another seven goals in the UEFA Champions League.
The 25-year-old is currently on duty in the Euros for the host nation France, and clinched his first international goal against Albania in the second group stage match for his team.
Griezmann is a quick, versatile and reliable option to have up front, and will likely bed into the Arsenal team well with French connections in Laurent Koscielny and Giroud.
Of the three players listed, he is potentially the most affordable but Arsenal will face stiff competition to get his name on their books.
