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Arsenal may or may not need another striker. Theo Walcott has been doing incredibly well for the club. He is also clearly getting better with each passing performance. But Behind him, Olivier Giroud’s lack of confidence and Danny Welbeck’s lack of a knee leaves Arsenal in a tight spot.
Apparently, Arsene Wenger had/has been working to fix that tight spot. Dinamo Moscow coach Andrey Kobelev has revealed that he vetoed a loan deal to send Russian striker Aleksandr Kokorin to Arsenal. The reasoning? Because Kokorin was just too good.
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Arsene Wenger was urged by Arsenal fans this summer to sign a striker. Karim Benzema, Edinson Cavani, someone. Aleksandr Kokorin emerged at the tail end of the window as a potential solution. But it always looked to be a loan and not an actual purchase. That is a smart move for Wenger. Kokorin has not showed much in his time at Moscow. He still has tremendous potential and could turn into a fantastic striker, but as a 24-year old that has only played in Russia, his 48 goals in 198 appearances is very lacklustre.
Kobelev beat around the idea that, had Arsenal went for a purchase of Kokorin as opposed to a loan, something might have worked out. But they did not. It is not in Arsene Wenger’s blood to purchase such a question mark. Especially not when the club is finally coming around to where Wenger had wanted all along.
Most of you that read my transfer rumor articles may know what I am going to say next. And it is not always a popular thing to say. But I will say it anyway: The fact that Wenger was attempting to solidify a loan deal means three things.
- He was trying to fix a problem. Wenger only makes signings when he knows there is a hole to fill and he tried to fill the hole at striker.
- The availability really was lacking. Benzema, Cavani – those guys were not available. Wenger was not just blowing steam. Again, United overspent on Martial. Clearly no one was available.
- Wenger still has his wits. Paying for a permanent deal for a guy that has still to impress in Russia is a losing endeavor. Maybe the move would be hailed at first but after that it would have been ridiculed.
If a striker becomes available, I have full faith that Wenger will grab him. Especially if Danny Welbeck cannot turn around his fortunes as a front man.
Next: What Next For Olivier Giroud?