Why Arsenal would be foulish to overlook this former Liverpool striker this summer

FT Desk

Updated: 8 Apr 2022 08:19 BST
5 min read

Union Berlin striker Taiwo Awoniyi — © ProShots

Arsenal spent untold fortunes on midfielders and defenders this season and as a result Mikel Arteta’s side look far better in the Premier League.

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However, that also means that this summer’s transfer window will almost certainly be dominated by the club’s desperate attempts to sign a new No.9 to replace Alexandre Lacazette.

The club have tried in vain to sign top-tier goalscorers in the past six months, but continue to be beaten to the punch by clubs with deeper pockets or more alluring projects. As such, Arteta & Co. may need to lower their expectations.

One such striker who could still fit the bill and certainly wouldn’t break the bank is Union Berlin forward Taiwo Awoniyi, who has set the Bundesliga alight this season after leaving Liverpool on a permanent transfer last summer.

12 goals (and one assist!) in 25 Bundesliga appearances this season for Taiwo Awoniyi

What a remarkable season he’s having with Union!

pic.twitter.com/FpkzUhafs4
— Stefan Bienkowski (@SBienkowski) April 2, 2022

How good is Awoniyi?

After a decent spell on loan at the German club last season, Awoniyi joined Union on a permanent deal for around £6.5 million plus a 10 percent sell-on clause from Liverpool and has gone from strength to strength ever since.

In 36 appearances for the Berlin club this season, the Nigerian striker has already bagged 17 goals and four assists and has undoubtedly become one of the most promising No.9s in the German top flight.

With pace and an eye for goal that match his impressive strength, it seems like only a matter of time before a Premier League side swoops in for the 24-year-old talent and Arsenal may regret not making a move before it’s too late.

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A post shared by Taiwo Awoniyi (@awoniyi18)

Who else wants to sign him?

According to the Sun, Premier League rivals West Ham and Newcaslte are both keen on testing Union's resolve for the striker this summer. Southampton have also been linked with a move for the player too.

As such, the publication claims that the Union striker would demand an asking price of around £25 million, which is well within Arsenal’s budget.

And while he may be able to make more money at Newcastle, there’s no doubt that Arsenal would hold a certain appeal to the Nigeria international.