Although Theo Walcott came in and played brilliantly for Arsenal this weekend against Manchester City, Olivier Giroud’s form has continued to drop as he runs himself into the ground. On another day the France international could have grabbed himself a hat-trick, but as it was he failed to get on the scoresheet and spurned some marvellous chances for the north London side. Now as we approach the new year, I thought that I would take it upon myself to look for a forward for Arsene Wenger, and this is the man I feel is perfect.
Kevin Volland may be a meaningless name to some, but viewers of the Bundesliga will know just how talented this 21-year-old striker is. So far this season he has played in 15 of Hoffenheim’s 16 league games and scored seven goals, a tally that only team-mate Firmino has bettered.
Volland is a different option to Giroud. While the latter stands tall and puts in a physical shift, the former is all about his movement and exploiting gaps in the opposing defence.
As well as scoring seven in the league, he has also carved out 16 opportunities for his colleagues and won an impressive 65% of his 63 attempted take ons this season.
He is very much a central player – 24 of his 25 shots this season have come from the middle areas and overall 68% of them have hit the target, which is the best percentage at the club.
Volland has bags of potential and is something that the Gunners don’t currently have, and in my mind that, as well as the goals he’s already scored, is enough to convince me that it would be a good move.