Arsenal Angle – The Huntelaar Dilemma

Having sold their prolific captain Robin van Persie to Manchester United, Arsenal have badly missed a genuine goal scorer. Although the signings of German star Podolski and Ligue 1 top scorer Giroud were very much high profile, still the duo have only managed to score combined 8 goals in the league this season.
Adding to the fans disappointment, van Persie has started his United career the way he left Arsenal. Currently the Dutchman has 11 league goals to his name already, scoring for fun while his former club surely needs someone who can fill the gap.
Reports suggest that Thierry Henry might return on short-term loan once more but Arsenal must sign another striker. Schalke’s Klaas Jan Huntelaar is linked with a move to Arsenal in January. Soccerisma looks at why Arsenal should avoid or sign the Dutch striker.

Huntelaar might be a clinical finisher but the question fans normally ask about him is that what more can he offer. His goal scoring record for clubs and country is more than respectable but he hinders the team performance with almost near to zero input in the buildup. Furthermore, his work rate is negligible and rarely does he link up and support his teammates well.
Although Giroud has not hit top form but he has the talent and needs time to settle. For now, apart from his finishing, his command in air and the way he links up is quite impressive. For worst, Huntelaar’s introduction may eventually halt Giroud’s progress and confidence which in the long-run will influence Arsenal adversely.
Arsenal and Wenger are renowned for making business sense in every transfer. Huntelaar will come cheap in January as his contract will expire in the summer, still he is not young, at 29 his resale value will be very low. That is something Wenger is mostly concerned about and looks for younger alternatives.

Despite his lack of movement and team support, his goal scoring talent cannot be denied. The fear factor amongst defenders is there and his killer instinct makes him the perfect finisher. It will be a crime to say that he is better than Robin van Persie but Huntelaar has better stats even with Netherlands. Robin has scored 31 goals in 71 appearances whereas Huntelaar has netted 34 in just 59 appearances for Dutch side.
It is not that Arsenal haven’t created many chances this season, but the conversion rate has been poor. The front three of Podolski, Giroud and Walcott have been largely ineffective. Even in the presence of one of the league’s most creative midfield with Arteta, Wilshere and Cazorla, Gunners have been lacking goals. The fact that in last 4 premier league games, Arsenal have only scored a single goal from open play says it all. They need someone prolific enough to finish off the moves and Klaas Jan Huntelaar completely fits the bill.
Lastly, If not Huntelaar then who else? Arsene is not famous for splashing out high amount of cash that too in January; will he be willing to spend 20 odd million on a top quality striker? Even the gunner fans know that it is highly unlikely. Gunners cannot afford to lose out on the champions league place and for that they need a permanent quality striker in January. Whether it will be Huntelaar or not, only time will tell.