Why Arsenal must plot a move for Raul Jimenez in the summer
According to The Express, Arsenal have been tipped to sign Wolves star forward Raul Jimenez by former Chelsea striker Craig Burley.
Jimenez, 28, came through the youth ranks of CF America in his homeland and moved to Atletico Madrid in 2014. A year later, Benfica signed him and he made a name for himself in Portugal, winning the league title twice.
He was later sent on loan to Wolves last season and he established himself as one of the most powerful strikers in the Premier League, scoring 17 goals and providing 8 assists in 42 games across all competitions. Jimenez became a key figure under Nuno Espirito Santo and helped the team qualify for the Europa League.
This season, he has been exceptional in front of goal for the Midland club and has already scored 22 goals in all competitions, including 13 in the Premier League. He is Wolves’ leading goal scorer this season, leading them to qualify for the quarter-finals of the Europa League.
Meanwhile, the Gunners have done a decent job under Mikel Arteta so far but their inconsistency has prevailed for a long time. They are currently 10th in the league table and need to be more clinical up front. And the failure to finish chances has paved way for their exit from the European stage.
Club captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is their leading goalscorer with 17 goals in the league and none of the forwards has supported him with the extra goals. Alexandre Lacazette has been completely out of form and that has resulted in him seeing limited game time.
Gabriel Martinelli and Eddie Nketiah have done well whenever they have been given a chance but they are too young to be depended upon throughout the campaign. Hence, to solve their attacking issues, Arteta should look to strengthen the squad by bringing in Raul Jimenez.
The 28-year-old has been in fine form for Wolves in the last two seasons and has a more number of goals this campaign than Lacazette.
The Mexican has instantly adjusted to life in England’s top-flight and is capable of leading any team’s attack. At Arsenal, he would be a better partner for Aubameyang, given he replicates the same form. He scored against big clubs like Liverpool and Manchester City earlier in the campaign and also scored the winning goal against Tottenham last weekend.
He has been an important player for both his club and country and has improved a lot. He is capable of bolstering the Gunners’ attacking ranks, given his huge presence and his intelligence on the pitch.
Read more
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Verdict
Arteta’s men have scored only 39 goals so far, which is poor according to their standards and with Jimenez in their side, they would be provided with the much-needed extra goals to match the standards of the Premier League.
Therefore, they should look to strengthen their attacking unit by plotting a move for the in-form former Atletico Madrid forward.
