Arsenal could land short-term solution with striker who scores every 96 minutes

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Arsenal face a problem in January as financial fair play constraints will limit them from spending big on a striker.

Arsenal’s attackers have been misfiring in front of goal, and they have been urged to upgrade their options at centre-forward with Ivan Toney heavily linked. However, funds will be limited after a summer of heavy spending.

Eddie Nketiah has been linked with a move away, and he would need replacing if he was to leave. It is unlikely that Arsenal would be able to recruit a top-class centre-forward even if they earn a big fee for him, as a key target in Victor Osimhen looks set to stay at Napoli until the end of the season.

However, they could explore a short-term solution in the form of Osimhen’s Napoli teammate Giovanni Simeone.

Giovanni Simeone could be short-term option for Arsenal

Fabrizio Romano has now revealed that Simeone, who is struggling for game time at Napoli, could be open to a move in the winter window in order to play more.

“Gio Simeone could be one to watch among strikers in potential domino in late January,” he posted on X.

“Cholito could leave Napoli in case of good proposal as he’s currently struggling with game time despite his performances. Relationship with Napoli remains good but it’s open situation.”

Simeone made just one start out of 25 appearances in Serie A last season, scoring four times in 385 minutes, at a rate of one goal every 96 minutes.

This season, he has scored once in two starts, with Osimhen’s presence limiting his chances in Naples.

Would Giovanni Simeone be a good option for Arsenal?

On the face of it, Simeone does not appear to be a level raiser for Arsenal, but his underlying stats suggest he could be a good goalscorer if given opportunities.

He ranks highly among European strikers for dribbles, and is a striker in the mould of Gabriel Jesus in that he offers a lot outside of the box in addition to goals, and he recently scored against Real Madrid in the Champions League.

He would not be a good long-term option for Arsenal at 28, but given his need for game time, if a loan deal could be explored, and Nketiah leaves, it could allow Mikel Arteta to add to his ranks whilst helping improve the FFP situation.

Simeone could help until the end of the season, at which point Arsenal could even move for Osimhen as an upgrade. If Arsenal are desperate for a striker, then they may have to consider left-field options, and this could be a surprising, but potentially worthwhile gamble.