Arsenal looked within a whisker of putting forward a consistent and threatening Premier League title challenge last season, but ultimately Arsene Wenger’s men fell short due to periods of disappointing results – mainly at the beginning of the campaign.
The Gunners will come back seemingly stronger next term, with the North London side solving a long-standing problem position by acquiring Petr Cech from cross-city rivals Chelsea.
Although a new goalkeeper has been on the majority of the Emirates Stadium faithful’s wishlist for some time, another area that Arsenal fans have consistently debated has been the club’s striking options.
Where Chelsea have Diego Costa, Man United have Wayne Rooney and Man City have Sergio Aguero, Arsenal have Olivier Giroud – with many not believing that the burly French forward has the attributes and ability to score on a regular enough basis to fire Wenger’s men to the top of the pile.
The former Montpellier man has had periods of hot scoring form – such as in the second half of last season – but has also been guilty of having a limited impact in big fixtures.
Arsenal’s other options to fulfil the number nine role in Wenger’s 4-2-3-1 formation include Theo Walcott and Danny Welbeck; both England internationals and both players who have shown fleetingly that they could be potent central strikers.
However, both have played the majority of their football in other positions and as such are not the tried-and-tested option that Arsenal crave.
Despite Giroud being set to lead the line for the North London outfit next season, transfer speculation linking the Gunners with new centre forwards refuses to go away.
One reported long-term target has been removed from contention this month, with Colombian hotshot Jackson Martinez finally leaving Porto after a number of goal-mad campaigns to join Atletico Madrid.
Although some Arsenal fans will rue missing out on the South American hitman, it is ironic that another new attacking addition at the Vicente Calderon would have been an ideal new face at the Emirates.
Luciano Vietto has also moved to the Spanish capital city side, reuniting with coach Diego Simeone after impressing last season at Villarreal.
It was Simeone who brought the superb striker through in their mutual homeland and now looks set to reap the rewards of a centre-forward with boundless potential.
Vietto is widely acknowledged as one of the most promising young players in world football, and rightly so. His lethal eye for goal has been complemented by superb link-up play, frightening pace and impressive dribbling ability.
The Argentine youngster offers both a threat in-behind opposition defences with his movement off the ball and speed but also can drop deep to pick up possession and bring others into the game.
An upgrade on Walcott and Welbeck in the role, had Wenger moved quickly to secure Vietto from Villarreal, Arsenal would have two contrasting, but very dangerous, options in their centre-forward role.
With Vietto off to Atletico and destined for the top, it remains to be seen whether Giroud can get the goals to fire Arsenal to major silverware.
