Arsenal taking Higuain Risk but it’s one Likely to Pay off

Arsenal are finally expected to seal the transfer of Real Madrid striker, Gonzalo Higuain, in the next couple of days but is he the top centre-forward that is badly needed at the Emirates or another overrated striker that could struggle to adapt to life in the Premier League?

Higuain undoubtedly has quality, the Argentinian clearly has all the attributes to be a success in England but there is also the nagging feeling that he is a player that has not quite fulfilled his potential, losing his way somewhat at the Bernabeu in the last few years when often having to settle for a place on the bench.

It is hoped he can rediscover his best form at Arsenal and be the man Arsene Wenger can build his frontline around next season, adding to the talents of Olivier Giroud, Lukas Podolski, and Theo Walcott.

Certainly, his goalscoring record is mightily impressive. Higuain has scored 107 La Liga goals in just 187 appearances following his move from River Plate in 2007, while a look at his international stats proves his form for Argentina has been equally as good – notching 20 goals in his 32 caps.

Higuain is a man who thrives on good service and, when presented with chances, he can take them but he is not the sort of player to create things for himself, rather someone who loves to see things off in and around the penalty area. In that respect,then, it looks like being an astute purchase.

You would expect the 25-year-old to enjoy working with Walcott, Santi Cazorla, and Mikel Arteta – the men who can provide the key passes for the striker to finish – while he does look like being the perfect foil for someone like Podolski, feeding on knock-downs and touches from the burly German star.

However, there must also be some doubts about Higuain, who has been allowed to leave Real with seemingly his best days still ahead of him and a player some say with a complex character who has proved difficult to get along with at times and not exactly the sort of team player needed at the Emirates.

The price of just over £20million breaks Arsenal’s transfer record but pundits on betfair.com rightly say that it is a £35-40million striker that is needed at the club if they are to push the Manchester clubs and Chelsea all the way for the title next term.

There are question marks, for sure, and, with most big-money deals, an element of risk is involved and it will be interesting to see if Higuain can adapt to the more physical side of the English game. His goalscoring record is first class and if he can maintain his game-to-goals ratio at the Emirates, everyone will be happy.