There just cannot be a time when Arsenal aren’t linked with a striker signing. Ever since Robin Van Persie left, Arsenal haven’t been able to replace him and the squad still lacks a genuine top goal scorer. Yes, there is Olivier Giroud now, but the burden on the Frenchman’s shoulder began to show and Arsene Wenger was forced to look at a view alternative ways to line his Arsenal team up. Alexis Sanchez has been playing up front for the Gunners this season. The Chilean has been quite successful in his role and it looks like he will continue there, at least for the time being. Arsenal have looked more fluid and potent with the Chilean at the centre of all things.
Arsene Wenger also made a sizeable investment on Lucas Perez, but the Spaniard has failed to adapt like he was expected to. Wenger also brought in Takuma Asano, a Japanese striker, but that looks like more of a long-term plan as he was denied a work permit and finds himself loaned out to German second division side Stuttgart, where he will spend the season on loan.
Giroud recently made a decent impression when he came off the bench to rescue a game for Arsenal against Sunderland. Arsenal were level on terms at 1-1 when the Frenchman came on. But with his first two touches, he put Arsenal 3-1 ahead with a neatly taken finish and a clever chipped header. Such a performance was needed from the sidelined front man to answer his critics, who show up every season.
Such uncertainty with their forward players has seen Arsenal linked with a move for Portuguese striker Andre Silva, a 21-year-old who plays for Porto F.C. He only burst on to the scene last year, but has quickly made a name for himself as a goal scorer in football circles. Silva spent the majority of his youth career at several Portuguese clubs as he looked to establish himself as a footballer. He eventually joined the youth academy of Porto in 2011 and has been there ever since.
His debut season was originally marred by the fact that he found himself clearly behind the pecking order, behind at least 3 or 4 strikers. But this changed when Jose Peseiro came in to replace Julen Lopetegui. The new manage gave him more chances to express himself and Silva didn’t disappoint as he ended the season with 3 goals to his name.
Silva has started off this season on a more prolific note as the striker has scored 7 league goals in 8 appearances in what has been a quick start to the season for him. He also has important goals to show in the Champions League where he scored against Roma in a qualifying tie. His goal scoring has not stopped at club level, as he has 4 goals in 4 caps for Portugal, including a hat trick against minnows Faroe Islands.
Such form does warrant a move to finer shores, but should Arsenal be Silva’s next destination? Will he be able to get used to the Premier League’s toughness at such a young age or would he be better advised to bide his time and move elsewhere first? It is in Arsenal’s hands if they want to continue to target this hot shot. However this saga transpires, Andre Silva is sure to become a top goal scorer as he has shown qualities that are quite promising. But at the moment, though, a move to Arsenal might come too quickly for the 21-year-old.
Even without a star senior striker, the Gunners have been amongst the goals this season and with all their star players firing, they might not need another striker. After all, Danny Welbeck is also scheduled to return from his injury-lay off soon. The club also have youngster Chuba Akpom on their ranks. All these factors will eventually put to rest their interest in Andre Silva. But he is someone we should all keep in mind and track him as one for the future.