I feel sorry for Robin Van Persie, and quite frankly, so should everyone else. It seems the Dutchman is single-handedly pulling Arsenal up the table at the moment, with 12 goals making him his side’s top scorer by a huge margin of eight.
If it wasn’t for their inspirational captain, the Gunners would probably be mathematically relegated by now. Well not quite that bad, but they’d certainly be a lot worse off than they are now.
So what should Arsene Wenger do to lift the burden on his one-man band of a striker? Well, he could sign someone with a prolific record in Europe for a start. Hang about, hasn’t the Frenchmen already tried that, with the purchase of former Bordeaux hit-man Marouane Chamakh a year and a half ago?
But sadly for Wenger, the Moroccan hasn’t quite done the business. Almost as if he was a Christmas temp at a super-market, arriving with a good reputation from his local Spar.
However, just 8 goals in 34 appearances proved that the 27 year-old can’t really handle it on the bigger stage, and will be probably be on his way out at the end of the season. Or after Christmas for the benefit of the metaphor.
Most Arsenal fans would love Wenger to spend big-bucks on someone who can give RVP a break every so often, let him put his feet up and watch that Last of the Summer Wine boxset he’s been buzzing to break out. Although instead of a forward, the Gunners continue to be linked with Real Madrid’s Esteban Granero.
The rumours have intensified recently, with reports in various papers claiming that due to Abou Diaby’s fitness issues, the Spaniard could be on his way to the Emirates come January. But with Van Persie the only man getting the goals, signing another midfielder would be like going out to buy an oven and coming home with a washing machine.
And when you’ve already got a washing machine called Mikel Arteta, the other one may not be worthwhile. Still, Granero has undoubted ability and would no doubt provide extra class and creativity.
But poor old Robin, the wait to have a genuine striking partner/replacement looks set to go on.
