Michy Batshuayi Joining Arsenal Actually Makes Perfect Sense

Arsenal may or may not be in the market for a new striker. With an emphasis on may not. But Arsene Wenger has said that if the price is right and the player fits, then the price will be paid. However, with the January window also being a rather silent time for Wenger, even more questions are raised. But standing right there, in the open, is Michy Batshuayi, who Arsenal passed up on in 2014 but who they cannot pass up on again.

The Belgian striker is yet another member of the golden age of his country; a golden age that Wenger has yet to tap into. The young Batshuayi is currently outscoring Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Edinson Cavani in Ligue 1 and it remains just a matter of time before he seeks a stage bigger than Marseille can offer.

Arsene Wenger will tell us that Arsenal already have a surplus of strikers. With Olivier Giroud, Theo Walcott and Danny Welbeck already rocking out at the role, why would we need another? Well, for starters, because only Giroud has proven that he can be a reliable starting striker. Theo Walcott is inching closer to consistency but he is not a finished product yet. And Danny Welbeck is Danny Welbeck.

More from Arsenal Transfer Rumours

• Arsenal Transfers: Emile Smith Rowe could leave club before summer deadline
• Arsenal Transfers: Gabriel will not be leaving this summer
• Why Arsenal could sell Folarin Balogun to London rivals
• 5 defenders Arsenal could sign after Jurrien Timber injury
• Why was Kieran Tierney left out of Arsenal’s matchday squad?

But Michy Batshuayi may be that exceptional talent that you just do not pass up on. Especially not twice. He is frequently compared to Christian Benteke and Romelu Lukaku, for origin and skill, and his numbers and qualities back that assessment up.

However, perhaps the biggest proponent in this moves favor is the fee. Batshuayi is not grabbing attention. He is not seizing headlines like Alexandre Lacazette. As such, only Arsenal and Tottenham are rumored to be in on the guy. According to the most recent market value updates, Michy Batshuayi is only valued at around £6.4 million pounds. Granted, that will probably raise to £10 or £12 million with the next update, the point is that it is still incredibly cheap. Arsenal’s future at striker is still largely up for question and Batshuayi would provide an excellent option, especially seeing as how he is already proving himself.

The Belgian forward is a clinical finisher, he is a quality header of the ball and he is a great passer as well, with an 80% pass completion that is very impressive from a striker’s standpoint. His hold up play can develop a bit more but he is showing signs of being another great user of the hold up and layoff mantra.

Price can not be the issue here. Marseille will obviously not be looking to sell him, but even if Wenger has to throw £15 million at him, it will be worth it.