The striker dilemma

Arsene Wenger is known to be a miserly spender in the transfer market. He doesn't believe in in a squad bought with money. He has always had an eye for talent and has made so many players start from scratch and grow into big names. Cesc Fabregas, Aaron Ramsey, Jack Wilshere, Theo Walcott, Robin Van Persie, Thierry Henry, the list can go on and on.

Many have even been critical of Wenger's ideals of not using the transfer funds at his disposal. And a lot more people have agreed that this has been the primary reason Arsenal didn't win trophies. But that did not shake The Professor off. He stuck with the squad he had and now, the very team which people called as 'immature' and 'too young' a couple of years back are not only top of the league, but are also favorites to go ahead and win it.

But Arsenal and Arsene Wenger have run into a dilemma now, and that is whether to buy a new Striker in the January transfer window or not.

Until late November,  the boss was very confident that he didn't need to buy a forward. But recent injuries to Theo Walcott, who is out for the rest of the season, and Niklas Bendtner, who will spend 2-3 more weeks on the sidelines, has forced him to reconsider.

The injuries leave Olivier Giroud as our only striker up front. Lukas Podolski is available but the German is still not completely match fit after tearing a hamstring in August.

Giroud has been very important in Arsenal's success this season. He has 9 goals and 5 assists to his name already and looks in fine form. But the concern is, if he gets injured there's no one fit in the squad who can come in and fill in his boots. And that might just ruin the season for the Gunners. Wenger is well aware of this threat and admitted in a press conference prior to the game against Aston Villa that it would be a gamble if Arsenal didn't bring in a new striker this month. But he also believes fighter Giroud has the tenacity to lead the club to the title this season. Wenger said,

"People always want new names. What is important for us is that Giroud is back. He was a bit tired recently but now he is refreshed, he is back, and I am sure he will have a major impact on the second part of the season."

So, it's up to the Boss to take a decision now. It only seems wise that we buy a striker. That would take the pressure off Giroud, and Arsenal in turn. Wenger will consider all the aspects, and if he decides to buy, we may see the deal get done very soon.

But let's just hope that Giroud stays fit and keeps getting us the goals.

-Wishing the Frenchman and Arsenal a great second half of the season.