View From The Sphere

Gameiro on Wenger’s winter list…but who exactly is he?

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So far this season, Arsenal have managed to accumulate 32 goals from their first 15 Premier League matches (a ratio of approximately 2 goals every game), and many of the clubs fans will be happy with their team’s ability to find the net. However, a majority still believe that Wenger needs to add to his firing line in order to attain silverware at the end of the season.

A few days ago, it was reported that Arsenal, along with several other top European clubs, are very keen on acquiring FC Lorient striker Kevin Gameiro this winter, but who exactly is he? And is he the right man fans want to see arrive at the Emirates this January?

Well to start off with, Kevin Gameiro is a 23-year-old, French, versatile forward, who primarily plays as a striker, but can also be deployed on the wings or in the hole. The Frenchman has represented his country at Under-18, 20, and 21 levels, and just 2 months ago made his debut for the senior team against Belarus.

Gameiro has played his entire senior career in France so far, starting off at Strasbourg in 2005. Within his 3 years at the club, the forward managed to make a total of 68 appearances (in all competitions) and bagged 17 goals along the way. Even though he was relegated with the club, many Ligue 1 outfits, including Marseille witnessed the talents the striker possessed at such a young age. Despite interest from such high profile French clubs, Gameiro was sold to FC Lorient for £3 million in 2008, where he signed a four-year deal.


So far, the French international has made a total of 84 appearances (in all competitions) for FC Lorient, and has contributed 34 goals, as well as 16 assists. His goal ratio is approximately 1 goal every 3 games…Not bad for a young striker, but could be better should he sign for a team who creates a lot of chances.

Having watched Gameiro on a couple of occasions, it’s evident to see that the 23-year-old looks to have a promising future ahead of him. The Frenchman is two-footed, has good agility, awareness, as well as the ability to finish. Although, he is quite a small player at 5’ 7”, Gameiro does have the technical ability to become a top European player.

I’m not afraid to say that I am one Arsenal fan who still thinks we need another striker in our pack. The fact is we only have 3 main strikers in Marouane Chamakh, Robin Van Persie and Nicklas Bendtner, who all have their flaws. Bendtner proved to us the other week in Portugal that he is not as good as he claims to be, Van Persie is always injured and does not look clinical, and Chamakh (who although is doing well) has admitted today that he is struggling to cope with the Premier League. We need to add healthy competition in this department and maybe Gameiro could provide this.

Gameiro is contracted to FC Lorient until 2012, which means he could cost Arsenal in the region of £12-15 million this winter. Whether Wenger is prepared to pay this amount is up to him, personally I would welcome the striker with open arms as I believe he could do a great job for us.

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2 comments

  • Murphy says:

    This guy looks good and Wenger should really consider the purchase of Gameiro this winter. Having said that, I would prefer AW to go get a GK and CB before going for this guy

  • Bob says:

    I don’t really know too much about Gameiro, but from his clips he does look a decent player. I think he should consider him, but I feel Wenger should invest in a goalkeeper and a defender.

    He is a good striker but we have so many goal scorers in our team, the problem is we conceed too many goals, we must stop this, if we can stop this then we can be serious title contenders. I know at the moment we’re two points off the title but I can just see a defensive or goalkeeper era costing Arsenal vital points.

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