10 Goals In 10 Games – Behold Arsenal’s Likely Winter Signing

Arsenal has been alerted by the availability of Marseille talismanic forward Andre-Pierre Gignac and reports are saying Arsene Wenger is keen on landing the attacker for free next summer. According to reports the player’s contract expires by the end of the season and Marseille stand the painful risk of letting him go for free or the reasonable decision to sell him for a modest fee in January, but Le10Sport has now revealed that the player isn’t interested in extending his contract at Marseille and has rejected their contract extension offer. Recently, the player’s agent, Christopher Hutteau, admitted that his player could play for either Arsenal or Liverpool, the two sides that have been linked to the player, saying: ‘‘Given the fact that he is not very old, he has a real market value. This is a striker with a relatively atypical profile, responsive to the physical challenge, the archetypal player who can succeed in a big club. He can play in England, Arsenal or Liverpool, no problem. For me, it is (his real value) between 12 and 15 million Euros.’’

Andre-Pierre Gignac, 28, was first noticed on the international stage in 2008 when he scored 25 goals for Toulouse in the French Ligue 1, a feat that got him signed up by Marseille in 2010. But at Marseille, his form and fitness level went on and off due to injuries and some inconsistencies. However, last season, he found his scoring boots and netted 22 times in 44 games. Then, the French giants hired Marcelo Bielsa, the Argentinean and former Chile national team coach before the World Cup and the veteran coach seems to be bringing out the best in Gignac. Bielsa reportedly told Gignac to lose 5kg of weight in order to hit 25 goals this season. Gignac has hit 10 goals in 10 matches this season so far Marseille and they stand a chance of losing him to international suitors in England. If a move of intent to keep the layer isn’t made by Marseille, then Arsenal would be able to hold talks of a pre-contract agreement ahead of his switch to the Emirates Stadium next term.

However, the injury to Olivier Giroud made the manager, Arsene Wenger, sign Danny Welbeck from rivals, Manchester United on transfer deadline day. However, Arsenal has had a slow start to the English Premier League season, winning just 2 matches with 4 draws and 1 loss. The Arsenal attack has not really been top notch so far this season, and though Gignac has been variously likened to Olivier Giroud in terms of playing styles, the manager could just land the player on a free transfer by the end of the season. This kind of deals cannot just be put past Arsene Wenger, who is known for his good negotiating skills and knack for good value for money deals. But for many Arsenal fans, this would represent a misplacement of priorities, as the defence and defensive midfield positions need more attention than the top striker position.

With blazing Danny Welbeck, a fully fit Olivier Giroud, a scoring Yaya Sanogo, a resurgent Lukas Podolski, fantastic Alexis Sanchez and smoking hot Theo Walcott, one would wonder if signing Gignac next season is a necessary move by Wenger, considering the urgent and pressing need for a central defender and a defensive midfielder.