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Edin Dzeko Would be a Terrible Consolation Prize for Arsenal
By Josh Sippie
Arsenal are not in the market for a new, replacement striker. That being said, they aren’t exactly out of the market for anything that would strengthen the squad, and a world-class striker would no doubt be a club strengthener.
All things considered, Edin Dzeko is not at all what this club needs.
The reasoning behind my smiting of this rumor is much the same as it was for Jackson Martinez or Gonzalo Higuain: What does Edin Dzeko bring to the club that Arsenal do not already have?
Answer: Nothing. Consider this chart (stats via Squawka on a per 90 minute basis):
[table id=58 /]
As you can see, Giroud can already do all that Edin Dzeko does. He is as tall and physically stronger than Dzeko as well. He is even younger than Dzeko. Not to mention the fact that Edin Dzeko could cost up to 20 million pounds.
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Arsenal are also reportedly in the market for Karim Benzema and Alexandre Lacazette, two strikers that would bring a very contrasting style to Arsenal. Lacazette is an excellent dribbler with pace and a long shot to boot. Benzema is a master at link-up and hold-up play and a clinical finisher. Dzeko? He is an aerial target. We have that.
Olivier Giroud has gone on record saying that he would welcome another striker to Arsenal, as reported by the Metro: “If there is another striker it will be nice for all the team because competition is good for everyone,” he went on to add “‘I am going to focus on my preparation. We are doing well together with a good cohesion. The most important thing for me is that the team is always improving. I give my best every game.”
Arsene Wenger has also indicated that he would not mind making more signings if he found an exceptional talent, which has been a policy for him for quite some time. However, that exceptional talent also has to be reasonably priced and readily available, but we will ignore that bit for now.
Edin Dzeko is a good striker, do not get me wrong. He is a fierce aerial target. However, Olivier Giroud has more headed goals since he arrived in the Premier League than anyone else. Translation: You will not find a better aerial target in the Premier League than the guy that we have.
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The only way I could see Wenger even the remotest bit interested is if he just likes Giroud so much and the style of play that he provides so much that he wants to ensure that even if Giroud goes down, they can still continue that style. But that seems farcical at best.
I question whether Arsene Wenger really does have an interest in Edin Dzeko as the reports indicate. It seems nothing like any sort of move he would ever make. It may just be a case of Arsene Wenger’s transfer history and Dzeko’s availability coming together to form a perceived interest.
Next: Vote: Lacazette or Benzema?