With the departure of Togolese international, Emanuel Adebayor, Arsenal's Dutch stiker, Robin Van Persie is looking for a new pal to score goals with next season. There is no doubt in my mind that the over confident Bendtner, who stated last season he believes he is the clubs best striker, thinks he is fit for the job. Eduardo has had his injury problems in the last couple seasons but he is a worthy candidate for the position as well. Does Arsene Wenger back his club's strikers enough to trust they already have what they need to succeed or does he have a plan B? Nobody would be surprised if he pulled some name out of a hat from Arsenal's youth program. The Gunners are in desperate need to perform next season. They are in need of a immediate change at the Emirates. Will they turn to the transfer window that Wenger is often times afraid to look out of? Let's see what they a brewing up top in North London and who is applying for the new job availability.
- Nicklas Bendtner: He looks to be a good potential replacement for Adebayor. He is 6'3, same height as Adebayor. With plenty of time to grow Bendtner is only 21 years of age. He has found it difficult to break into Arsenal starting 11 in his time at the club. Obviously full of a confidence and can brush criticism, he wore a pair of neon pink Nike Vapors for part of last season. However, fearless, even in that respect, is what all strikers need to strive to be like. Sure he looks promising, but does the Dane have the talent to deliver enough goals that Arsenal requires from a starting striker next season? He appeared 48 times for the Gunners last year in all competitions, scoring 14 goals and helping out with 4 assists. Those aren't bad numbers for the youngster. However, he should have had more goals. Everytime I watched Bendtner last season, I cringed at some of the "must score" opportunities he most certainly should have been celebrating, but failed to convert. If he cleans up his act in front of the net, he could develop into a good striker, but in time for next season? We'll see.
- Eduardo: Arsenal's number 9 is often seen on the sidelines due to injury. He suffered a catastrophic, compound leg break in February of 2008 due to a tackle from Martin Taylor, a Birmingham FC player. The images of the leg twisted and tangled underneath Taylor are enough to make even the non squeamish look away. The injury sidelined Eduardo for many months. When finally making his return to full fitness he suffered a series of smaller injuries keeping him out of play even longer. He only appeared 4 times for Arsenal last season, but did manage to score 3 goals. The Brazilian born Croatian international is looking to put his niggled past behind him and put together a good season this time around. He is obviously capable at playing at the highest level. He was the Croatian league's top scorer in 2006, and 2007 and has been an incredible marksman for the national team. Before his almost career ending leg break in the 2007-2008 season, Eduardo scored 8 times and had 6 assists appearing in 26 matches in all competitions. Can a rejuvenated 26 year-old fill the void left by Adebayor?
- Jay Simpson: We all know how much Arsene loves his young guns. Jay Simpson will be looking to break into the first team more frequently next season. The 20 year-old is a big frame. He is 5'11 weighing in at just shy under 190 lbs. A part of Arsenal's youth academy since the age of 13, the sizely, young striker has appeared a handful of times for the Gunners. Despite being loaned out to a handful of clubs, to help the youngster's experience, he scored 2 goals in 3 appearances in Arsenal's run at the Carling Cup last season. in the 2007-2008 season, Simpson was loaned out to Millwall where he made 41 League One appearances, 34 of them starts.
- Carlos Vela: Wenger has spotted another promising prospect in Arsenal's young Mexican, Carlos Vela. Known for his left foot, the boy signed for Arsenal in 2005. He was the top scorer in the 2005 U-17 World Championships. In his teenage years at Arsenal he was loaned out to a series of Spanish teams where he gradually started to make significant contributions. The 20 year-old made 29 appearances for the Gunners last season. He tallied 6 goals and 3 assists. He is a special player that can bring a spark to the match. Perhaps he could sneak into the starting XI next season.
- Marouane Chamakh: Chamakh isn't a Gunner as of yet. However, when Arsene Wenger was aware that Adebayor may be leaving the club, he said he would swoop for the the Moroccan international who is currently at Bordeaux in France. The 25 year-old looks to be a decent replacement for Adebayor. We all know how good Wenger is at uncovering talent. He scored 13 goals and had 6 assists for the France based club last season. Could he be the next Adebayor? There are a lot of similarities between the two. Both are African players that Wenger has discovered succeeding in Ligue 1. Maybe Chamakh is the new Adebayor, the ideal replacement.
Whoever the replacement is needs to really make an impact. The Gunners cant afford another bad season at their high standards. They are boosted by the return of another wounded soldier, Rosicky, but will he be enough? Probably not. They need goals to succeed and Van Persie will be eager to discover who it is after he recently signed a 5 year contract extension with the club this summer.
Viva el futbol y Hala Madird
Bobby
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