Transfer Rumours: Two more Strikers connected with Arsenal

As yesterday’s vote highlighted, most people think that Arsenal’s main priority should be a new striker to lead the attack in the coming season. At the time of writing the vote seems heavily in favour of a change in style at the front with Karim Benzema getting nearly 50% of the votes and Loic Remy being higher up the vote results than Mario Mandzukic. With that in mind, the two names being linked to Arsenal today could prove popular in pursuing this notion. Bear in mind, however, that any striker or midfielder worth his salt is being linked with a lot of clubs at this point in the transfer window.

Pedro

The Barcelona striker has only played a bit part in the Catalan’s side trophy-less season, making over 50  appearances but only playing 90 minutes 14 times. Despite being used sparingly he scored 20 goals and claimed 9 assists, a good return for any player. Barcelona are looking to overhaul their squad and manager Enrique seems to think offloading the Spaniard for around £25m would be the correct way to do it. Pedro wouldn’t really fit into Arsenal’s current system but if Wenger were to redesign the front end of his team he could do a lot worse than Pedro. Personally I think the Spanish attacker is more likely to sign for Liverpool, the other team connected to him this morning.

Michy Batshuayi

The Standard Liege striker seemed to be on his way to Swansea this morning after footballdirectnews.com reported that the Welsh club had agreed a deal for the player, only for further reports to come out since then that the Belgian striker has turned down contract talks in the hope that a bigger team, namely Arsenal, will come calling. With a £6.5m release clause in his contract he would be extremely good value for any side, and Swansea seem resigned to losing either Bony or Michu this summer. The Belgian would be a like for like switch for Bony so Arsenal may see him as a cheaper alternative as they look to boost their striking options.

I’m not overly excited by either of these options, as I’m not sure either one improves the first XI. Batshuayi may be a good option if Arsene wants to boost his squad options, but fans will be hoping for a much bigger signing to get excited about.