With Arsenal clearly in need of a new signing up front this summer, here’s a look at nine realistic transfer targets who’d be better strikers than Olivier Giroud next season…
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1) Christian Benteke (Aston Villa)
Linked with a £30m exit and a target for Liverpool and Chelsea, Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke has been in excellent form this season and looks a player who could definitely be an improvement on Giroud for Arsenal. The Belgian international has more pace and skill to his game, making him a real handful for Premier League defenders.
2) Karim Benzema (Real Madrid)
One of the best strikers in the world, Real Madrid star Karim Benzema has been on top form again this season but could become surplus to requirements at the Bernabeu, leading to rumoured interest from Arsenal in a £35m move. Liverpool are also interested, and there may not be a better option on the market for such a price this summer.
3) Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich)
Unsettled at Bayern Munich, Arsenal should also consider a move to sign Polish goal machine Robert Lewandowski, who has previously looked one of the best forwards in the world at former club Borussia Dortmund.
4) Mario Mandzukic (Atletico Madrid)
A similar player to Giroud, but arguably an upgrade, Mario Mandzukic could be on his way out of Atletico Madrid this summer and has been linked with both Arsenal and Liverpool. A more proven player than Giroud, the Croatian international has won major honours in his time at Bayern Munich, netting in the Champions League final win over Dortmund at Wembley.
5) Jackson Martinez (Porto)
A lethal goalscorer, Porto star Jackson Martinez has one of the best records in Europe in recent years and is sure to move to a bigger club this summer, with rumours that Arsenal are among his admirers. Although he has not yet played in a more competitive league, the Colombian looks a different prospect from Giroud.
6) Gonzalo Higuain (Napoli)
A long-term target for Arsenal, it is rumoured that Napoli striker Gonzalo Higuain is on the Gunners’ radar again this summer. The Argentine has had another prolific season in Serie A and is a far more proven and capable front-man than Giroud.
7) Paulo Dybala (Palermo)
Not yet the finished article, but Palermo striker Paulo Dybala looks a top talent for the future after earning rave reviews this season. Arsenal are known to be interested, though Juventus possibly look favourites to snap him up at the moment.
8) Alexandre Lacazette (Lyon)
Another potentially world class youngster, Alexandre Lacazette has caught Arsenal’s eye this season after scoring 31 goals for Lyon. Available for maybe £30m, the Frenchman is another perfectly realistic target who’d instantly provide an upgrade on Giroud.
9) Carlos Bacca (Sevilla)
An underrated La Liga star, Sevilla striker Carlos Bacca is wanted by Manchester United this summer but is another very capable attacker that Arsenal should be looking at to provide more goals to their front line.