Reliable Source Confirms 23-Goal Striker Is Set To Join Arsenal - Not Lacazette/Icardi/Lukaku

It is a widely accepted fact that Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is working around the clock to sign a striker for Arsenal before the summer transfer window slams shut on the third of September. And having been rejected by Jamie Vardy, despite Arsenal triggering his release clause, coupled with our refusal to pay the price Napoli wanted for Higuain, we are increasingly running out of options.

Aside from Vardy and Higuain, Arsenal also did try to sign Morata, according to reports, but it appears Real Madrid are not ready to sell the former Juventus player. We have also been linked with the signing of Alexander Lacazette, but it appears Lyon's asking price is different from Wenger's valuation of the player. Hence, it seems Arsenal are looking elsewhere for a striker. Arsenal's reported bid for Lacazette was rejected by Lyon.


But if you believe reports in the media today, the search for a striker will finally end soon as Arsenal are FINALLY on the verge of signing a striker. According to a report by The Sun, who themselves are citing Canal+, Arsenal are on the verge of signing Wissam Ben Yedder. Although The Sun are not that reliable, Canal+ are extremely so, which means there is a strong possibility that Ben Yedder will be playing for Arsenal next season.

According to the reports, Arsenal are ready to beat Sevilla to the signing of the France Under 21 striker, who is reportedly available for £8m. The report also went further to say the player will have to make a decision between Sevilla and Arsenal. If true, it should be an easy choice, in my opinion. Arsenal are certainly a more attractive proposition than Sevilla. What's more, the Gunners can afford to pay him better wages and, with only Giroud to stop him taking the number nine role in the line-up, Yedder should feel he has a good chance of regular first-team football.

The 25-year-old and extremely versatile player scored 23 goals for Toulouse last season, a club that battled against relegation last season. In over 200 appearances for the French club, Yedder has scored 80 goals, which means he scores almost once every two games. That stat is surely good for a player who has been playing for a team as lowly as Toulouse.

However, it is surprising that we are all of a sudden interested in the player. Could it be that Wenger is using our supposed interest in him to force Lyon's hand to sell Lacazette? Maybe Wenger knows Lacazette is ready to leave Lyon and maybe he knows Lyon will be forced to sell the player, but are only playing hard ball to get more money?

Could it also be that Arsenal's interest in Yedder is genuine? Maybe, as usual, we are going for the cheapest option? This is a possibility and I personally won't rule this option out, especially with that recent Gazidis interview on Arsenal's transfer policy, amongst other things.

Could it also be that Arsenal are being forced to go for the cheaper option, in other to spend money on Mahrez and a centre back, which is now all of a sudden needed after Per Mertesacker's injury?

If my last guess is correct, I personally won't mind. From the little I have watched of Yedder in the French league, he has the potential to be world class, although he is not ready to become a first-team regular at Arsenal. However, by signing Mahrez as well, we would have significantly improved the team. Nevertheless, signing only Yedder is certainly not going to go down well with the fans.