With Jamie Vardy now deciding to take his time to think over a possible move to the Emirates there are some fans who wonder whether the Leicester striker is having second thoughts. With his £20 million release clause triggered and personal terms apparently agreed, Arsenal fans were getting ready to welcome one of the season’s sensations.
But now that Vardy has said he will make a decision over a possible move after the European Championships in France will Wenger be looking elsewhere? Big money has been made available, so who could Arsene go for instead?
Viva Espana
Alvaro Morata has already been linked with a move to the Premier League – and Arsenal are one of the clubs said to be in the running for the Spaniard’s signature. Although he only scored 12 goals for Juventus this season he has a lot more to his game and has been instrumental in many more goals shared around his side. Real Madrid have an option to take him back from Italy but the rumours are that it would only be to sell him on for a profit.
The Big Man
Everton had a terrible end of season that culminated in manger Roberto Martinez getting the sack. But one bright spot was the re-emergence of Romelu Lukaku. He scored 25 goals in all competitions and his immense physicality and touch could bring something extra to the Arsenal side. Another plus is that he obviously knows the Premier League and would not have to take time to find his feet. He has stated a desire to return to Chelsea but north London could turn out to be more appealing.
French Connection
Arsene Wenger has quite a history of signing young French players and seems continually linked with a whole host of strikers in Ligue 1. Alexandre Lacazette has had a very impressive season for Lyon and can count himself unlucky that the French squad has a plethora of in form strikers already. West Ham have already made a bid for the 25-year-old and he does look likely to leave France in the summer. A move to Arsenal seemed on the cards last year before he signed a new contract – could this year be different?
Argentinian Powerhouse
The resurgence of Napoli over the last few seasons has been dramatic and one of the main reasons for that has been the forward play of Gonzalo Higuaín. The Argentina international scored an outstanding 38 goals this season as Napoli qualified for the next season’s Champions League. A powerful, physical player who has a wonderful touch and can run all day, Higuaín is another who has been linked with Arsenal before. A move to England would seem unlikely but his style of play would definitely fit the Premier League.
This Summer?
Karim Benzema seems to be about to move to Arsenal most close seasons – and this summer is no different. Left out of the France European Championship squad by Didier Deschamps, he does look to be finally leaving Real Madrid and England would seem the most obvious destination. Jose Mourinho’s arrival at Manchester United may make a move to Old Trafford more likely but he might not fancy sharing the limelight with another possible arrival – Zlatan Ibrahimović.
Incoming
There is a whole number of other names linked with a move to Arsenal with most of the top strikers in Europe in the frame. Players like Robert Lewandowski and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang are more likely to be moving to Real Madrid if they do leave their clubs but there are others who will be venturing to pastures new this summer.
Vardy may or may not end up as an Arsenal player for the start of next season but it looks like Arsene Wenger will definitely be strengthening his side with a top quality striker either way. Only time will tell who that will be.