The £15m ruthless striker Arsenal could sign before transfer window shuts to hand Arteta dream option
Arsenal have won their first two league games but so have Manchester City - this campaign could be won by the finest of margins.
Manchester City have everything Arsenal have: a creative midfielder, depth, and a passionate manager who knows how to compete, if not win.
Both teams have started the campaign with two wins from their first two games. This suggests that this season will be another where they go neck and neck for the league title. Even though Manchester City have won the last two titles, Arsenal have made progress, and there is much to suggest that the Gunners could do it this time around.
However, what City have that Arsenal don’t is a proper number nine—someone who can provide a different option in attack, with presence and a knack for finding the back of the net, even with his back against the post. This is the key difference between the squads. There is an affordable option that offers goals and experience, and who would be willing to play a backup role: Osasuna striker Ante Budimir.
Throughout his career, from his Mallorca days, Budimir has been linked with a move to the Premier League. Even though it hasn't happened for him so far, his goal-scoring record suggests he could be a short-term solution for the Gunners.
Sources indicate that a fee in the region of £15 million could be enough to convince Osasuna to let go of their 33-year-old forward. Last season, he scored 17 league goals for Osasuna, only three of which were penalties. His link-up play was equally as impressive as Artem Dovbyk, who won the Golden Boot in La Liga and has since moved to Italian side AS Roma.
A team like Arsenal, with talented young players, would benefit from the experience of a journeyman like Budimir, who would be delighted with the opportunity to finally play in the best league at such an advanced age. He offers height and physicality that could be crucial in very tight games—standing at 6'3", Budimir provides a significant aerial presence, something Arsenal could use to diversify their attacking options.
He is excellent at holding up the ball and can be a target man in the box, particularly useful in matches where Arsenal need to break down compact defences.
Budimir has shown he can score goals in a top European league, having netted double-digit goals in multiple seasons for Osasuna. His experience and ability to find the net consistently in a competitive league like La Liga would be beneficial for Arsenal, especially in games where a clinical finisher is needed.
What makes this deal so attractive is also the fact that he won't cost an arm and a leg, as many strikers do these days. He provides a ruthless option and has consistently proven his goal-scoring ability over the years. Arsenal have Kai Havertz, who can play there, and Gabriel Jesus, who underperformed last season, but both would appreciate having an option like Olivier Giroud, whom Arsenal used to have.