Forget Kenan Yildiz, Arsenal's January forward target is obvious
Arsenal took command at the top of the Premier League over the weekend, as they went to Anfield and beat Liverpool 1-0. They're now three points clear of Manchester City and have a chance to get back to winning ways in the Champions League with a clash against Slavia Prague on Wednesday night.
In the win against Liverpool, Kai Havertz scored after 16 minutes, and the Gunners were able to hold on for their first win at Anfield since 2012. Havertz has cemented himself as Mikel Arteta's first-choice striker, despite Viktor Gyokeres joining last summer.
The German international currently has four goals in all competitions this season, whereas Gyokeres only has one. Behind both of them, there aren't really any more striker options for Arteta, which could become more of a worry later on in the season.
It wouldn't be a surprise to see Arsenal delve into the transfer market in January to sign another forward, which would help both with depth and competition for Havertz and Gyokeres.
Arsenal reportedly keen on Yildiz and Kroupi
There have been two names linked with a move to the Emirates in recent days. The Mirror claims that Arsenal have Bournemouth forward Junior Kroupi on their shortlist, although it is understood that the Cherries don't want to sell him. The report claims that Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain are also keen on him.
Furthermore, they report that Arsenal are interested in Juventus' Kenan Yildiz too, a name that has been long linked with a move to North London. The 21-year-old is currently injured with a metatarsal fracture, and so he's only made one appearance this season. Last year, he netted 10 goals in 36 league games, also providing six assists.
Kroupi has also had injury problems this year. He made his first appearance of the season in Bournemouth's 3-0 win against Man United last month, and provided an assist over the weekend against Leeds.
The Gunners should target Kroupi
In a choice between the two, Arteta's best option is obvious. Arsenal need someone who can comfortably provide a goal threat down the middle in that number nine role. Both players can play centrally, but Yildiz's most natural position is on the left wing. He has featured as a nine and a number 10 for Juventus, but is more of a versatile winger.
Kroupi's most natural position is as a centre-forward. He isn't a typical target man, but he has pace and likes to get in behind from that number nine position, something I said just two weeks ago that Arsenal need to make sure they do more of.
Plus, he had better numbers last year too. Kroupi scored 13 goals in 33 Premier League games, compared to Yildiz's 10 in 36 Serie A games. It's a bit of a cliché too, but Kroupi has already proven that he can deliver in the Premier League, something that Yildiz can't claim. Arsenal have an obvious choice - they should go all out to get the Bournemouth star.
