Arsenal Transfer News: Huntelaar is Van Persie Replacement?
Klaas-Jan Huntelaar could be the man to fill Robin Van Persie’s boots.
caughtoffside suggest that fellow Dutch international; Klaas-Jan Huntelaar could be the man to fill Robin Van Persies boots. With yesterdays news that Robin Van Persie doesnt intend to extend his Arsenal career, the 28-year-old striker almost certainly seems to be on his way. Buzz has already started regarding a possibe replacement. Early rumours suggest RVP will follow his former teammates Gael Clichy and Samir Nasri to Man City, though a perhaps surprising move to Man Utd shouldnt be ruled out according to early reports. Of course, destinations further afield are also a distinct possibility, but who will replace him? Suggestions this morning are that compatriot Klaas-Jan Huntelaar could be in line for a move to The Emirates with Arsene Wenger potentially lining up a £17 million bid. Though with Giroud and Podolski already in the bag, is this really likely or just knee-jerk paper talk? Huntelaar, an out-and-out goal scorer who, despite a quiet European Championships, had an amazingly prolific season for Schalke scoring 48 goals in 47 appearances. Despite Huntelaars season long purple patch in the Bundesliga, he still plays second fiddle to Van Persie in the national side, starting the Euros on the bench. And is signing another 28-year-old for £17 million really Arsenes style? Because of his contract situation, Arsenal will probably not get value for money from the Van Persie sale and splashing the cash for a third time this transfer window doesnt wouldnt be in keeping with Arsenals usually prudent transfer policy. With the signing of Giroud, 25, maybe the writing was already on the wall. Giroud isnt a dissimilar player to Huntelaar, the 63 Frenchman is likely to lead the attack and with Wenger favouring one striker flanked by two wide men, his current tactics wouldnt incorporate them both. Huntelaar at £17m is also untested in the premier league and before the 2011/12 season his career has stuttered, not really hitting his stride in Italy or Spain. With Bendtner and Chamakh will likely to follow Van Persie out the door, a younger understudy for Giroud would seem more Wengers style, however with last seasons last minute signings of Arteta and Benayoun, Huntelaar shouldnt be ruled out.