Despite Arsene Wenger’s claims that the presence of his compatriot Loic Remy means nothing, there might just be more to the story than what the Frenchman is letting out. And, it is fair to say that apart from Olivier Giroud, Arsenal don’t really have a top-quality center forward in their ranks and Wenger has been looking to address that for some time now.
While it is true that Giroud has been in decent form this season, scoring more than 20 goals, but the simple truth is that, if he were to get injured or experience a blip in form, like he did at the turn of the year, Arsenal are bound to struggle. Which is all the more reason why a proven Premier League marksman like Loic Remy would be just the signing Wenger might be looking to make in the summer.
On-loan from Queens Park Rangers, Loic Remy has been in fine form for the Magpies this season. The 27-year-old who netted his 14th League goal of the season against Cardiff on Saturday has already stated that doesn’t prefer a move back to London, although he enjoys life in London. The Frenchman, who is looking to secure a berth on the trip to Brazil, said: “Nowadays, without being pretentious, I might be able to play for a bigger club, a top-five European club.”
While that is not exactly good news for either Newcastle or QPR, it is certainly something that bodes really for Arsenal and their quest to find a replacement for Giroud. Now, the question would be, is he the player that Arsenal are crying out for? The answer is a resounding yes. And there is just one simple reason, Remy’s directness and his finishing ability.
For all of their pretty passing football, Arsenal have, at times, looked like a side that could do with a couple more strikers. While they have an abundance of quality in midfield, up front, they lack the fire power to challenge for trophies, both domestic and abroad. And Remy would be a welcome addition to the Gunners’ arsenal, which looks depleted up front.
One of the features of Remy’s play is his ability to make utmost use of any opportunity presented to him. The Frenchman’s pace and power means that he is more than capable of playing on the break. In fact, he has looked most effective on the counter attack, when he is able to make utmost use of his pace and finishing prowess.
Add to that, the fact that at 27, the striker is in his prime and would be available for not much money, it is almost a “no-brainer”. Whilst there are plenty of top-quality strikers in the continent, with Diego Costa and Edinson Cavani heading the wish-lists of most clubs, none of those aforementioned names are proven in England. And whilst it might not sound like much, it certainly is something that Wenger must surely consider, if he wants to add more firepower to his strike force.
Arsene Wenger’s admiration for the Frenchman’s ability in front of goal, from his time in France, has been very well documented. And with Wenger’s penchant for getting the most out of his countryman, with Giroud being a prime example, Remy could very well fit right into the Gunners’ squad. If Arsenal do secure the Frenchman’s services, they would be getting their hands on one of the League’s finest marksmen for next to nothing, something that is sure to strengthen their title hopes next season.