Five Dybala alternatives for Arsenal to consider
As cliche as it may sound, this summer will be one of Arsenal’s most important ever. Much has been made of the side’s need for a few world class reinforcements in order to challenge for major honours yet again. With a second place finish looking all the more likely for the first time in ten years, the time has now come for Arsenal to finally kick on.
A centre forward to support or possibly even challenge Olivier Giroud has been among the club’s top priority for a few seasons now, and the arrival of Welbeck from Man United has seemingly done little to solve it. The clamor for yet another forward to brought in has begun yet again, while a few targets have been mooted as well. Palermo’s Paulo Dybala is the name screamed out by many, with the Palermo president going as far as to say Arsenal have submitted a formal approach.
Wenger has since denied such claims, and although the young Argentine has been hugely impressive this season, his astronomical transfer sum makes his arrival highly unlikely. As such, I think Wenger will look elsewhere to fulfill his centre striker needs, and I have compiled a list of top five Dybala alternatives.
One of the handful of strikers more prolific than Dybala this season is Lacazette. The Frenchman has hit an astonishing 25 goals in 29 Ligue 1 appearances this season. He has had to bide his time at Lyon behind the likes of Benzema, Gomis, and Lisandro Lopez over the years, but it is safe to say he has seized his chance with two hands. Some break out year he is having, and if anyone is currently worth the money Dybala is reportedly going for, it is Lacazette.
The big Colombian has been consistently prolific for Porto, flying under the radar for the Portuguese giants. He has 17 goals in 25 league appearances for the side this year, and is the leading goal scorer for the third consecutive season. He is reportedly in favour of a move away from the club, and has been for a few seasons now and could be worth a punt. Wenger admitted that Martinez is Premier League ready, saying he has the necessary pace and strength to cope with the rigors of the top flight.
Another who has flown under the radar, Bas Dost has been superlative for Wolfsburg over the past few seasons. The Dutchman has an astounding 25 goals in 55 appearances for the Bundesliga outfit since his arrival in 2012, and leads the team again this season with 13. Dost is intelligent in his movement, and is clearly a capable finisher. I like the sound of him in our side with Ozil and co feeding him.
Champions League’s most prolific goalscorer this season, Luiz Adriano deserves a shot at a big club. He has been Shakhtar’s leading man since his arrival, turning down advances from bigger clubs on several occasions. He looks to be finally ready to leave and is destined for bigger and better things. He could do a job across the pond, and Wenger will have to move quickly if he is interested.
The biggest name on the list, but less likely to join, and hence the last to appear. Much speculation has surfaced lately surrounding an alleged bust up with manager Laurent Blanc and his possible availability come this summer, but these things should be taken with a grain of salt. One thing for sure is that the Uruguayan is growing disillusioned with life on the wing, and could he persuaded to seek pastures anew for that reason. It would take an absorbent amount of money to do so though I’m afraid, but if he is indeed available, Wenger should do everything his power to make it happen. Cavani would automatically make Arsenal a title contender.