Monday, June 25, 2007

Five forwards to fill the boots of Thierry Ennui


Nicolas Anelka £11m
He scored in the Double-clinching FA Cup final in 1998 as a teenager and has unfinished business at Arsenal. Wenger has never ruled out his return and the maturity he now displays after converting to Islam is an important factor, but overriding that are the Frenchman's goals. More direct than Henry, he would thrive on the numerous, often-squandered chances the Gunners create.


Klaas-Jan Huntelaar £15m
Thirty-seven goals in 48 league appearances for Ajax over the past two seasons have launched him into the top rank of European strikers. An established Holland international at 23 years old - having leapfrogged the out-of-favour Ruud van Nistelrooy in the pecking order - he could be another promising addition to Arsenal's strike force but would probably seek first-team guarantees.


Carlos Tevez £20m
The 23-year-old Argentinian's success in almost single-handedly securing the survival of West Ham United has seen him linked with all of European football's giant clubs, including the Italian champions Internazionale. But that might be as much the attempt of his handlers, Media Sports Investment, to raise his market value: whether that should be at £20m is debatable.


Obafemi Martins £13m
The Nigerian devastated Arsenal in Inter's 3-0 Champions League win at Highbury in September 2003. His 11 Premiership and six Uefa Cup goals were a more-than-respectable return for a first season in England. His Newcastle team-mate Michael Owen, thanks to his release clause, would be more affordable at around £9m but his wage demands make him expensive.


Samuel Eto'o £30m
The Cameroon international has a few negative issues surrounding him. He is as truculent as a young Anelka, he will be expensive - in terms of wages and transfer fee - and, like Martins, is due to jet off to the African Nations Cup early next year. He is, however, a marvellous goalscorer who would thrive on the service from Arsenal's generous midfield.

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