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Photo by Valery HACHE / AFP via Getty Images
If the defeat at Fleetwood proved anything, it’s that Arsenal can’t go much longer with the forwards they’ve got.
Viktor Gyokeres‘ struggles this season have been well documented, but Kai Havertz is arguably just as bad, if not worse, right now. The German was the worst player on the pitch against Fleetwood, squandering seven chances on the night. And with Bukayo Saka out injured, Arsenal are short of options in attack.
It’s not just goals the Gunners are lacking. There’s no pace in behind, no outlet when the press comes, and nobody to hold the ball up and bring others into play. The recruitment team have spent far too long just waiting for the perfect forward to come along. Maybe it’s time to stop waiting.
Arsenal monitoring Monaco striker Paris Brunner
According to TEAMtalk, Arsenal are monitoring Monaco striker Paris Brunner, but face competition from Chelsea, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and PSG.
The 20-year-old has six goals in eight starts this season. Monaco need to raise funds after former Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun’s move to Everton collapsed on deadline day, and they reportedly want around £30million for him.
First of all, he’s rapid. According to UEFA, Brunner has hit a top speed of 36.99km/h. That’s quicker than Aubameyang’s best of 36.7km/h in the Premier League.
But there’s a lot more to Brunner’s game than just pace. Physically, he’s strong and at his best running the channels, using his body to keep defenders at arm’s length before bringing the ball under control. That’s exactly the kind of outlet Arsenal have been crying out for.
He’s a clever finisher too. Rather than just smashing it, he reads the goalkeeper and often shoots against the way they’re moving. He’d also give Mikel Arteta options. Monaco use him as a centre-forward, but he can drop deeper as a false nine or play as a second striker.
Then there’s his attitude. Too many of Arsenal’s attackers are nice guys who can be knocked off their stride. Brunner plays like he knows he’s the best player on the pitch, and there’s a selfish streak to him. Is that such a bad thing for a striker?
Paris Brunner would be a gamble for Arsenal
Brunner isn’t the finished article, by any means. When he drifts wide, Brunner can run himself into trouble, ignoring a better option or getting the ball stuck under his feet. They’re the sort of mistakes you’d expect from a 20-year-old, and he’s a much better player in central areas, where he picks the right pass and plays it at speed.
There’s also a catch. TEAMtalk report that Monaco could sell him in January and loan him straight back for the rest of the season, so Arsenal might not see him in red and white until the summer.
Even so, for £30million, a young striker with his pace, strength and confidence looks like it could be a gamble worth taking.