The rumors about Arsenal signing a new striker refuse to die down. With names like Ivan Toney and Victor Osimhen frequently linked to the Gunners, it's clear that Arsenal is on the hunt for a top-tier centre-forward ahead of the January transfer window. Another name that has surfaced as a potential target is Feyenoord’s rising star, Santiago Gimenez.

Who is Santiago Gimenez

Santiago Gimenez, a 23-year-old striker, is one of the most promising talents in the Eredivisie. Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Gimenez moved to Mexico at the age of three and joined Cruz Azul's academy, where he honed his skills during his formative years. He began playing for Cruz Azul's first team in 2017, consistently finding the net before making a significant move to Feyenoord in 2022.

At Feyenoord, Gimenez has made a name for himself as a prolific goal scorer. In 67 appearances for the Dutch club, he has netted 43 goals and provided eight assists, making him one of the league's most potent forwards. His impressive form in the Netherlands has caught the eye of several top European clubs, including Arsenal.

What Santiago Gimenez brings to Arsenal

One of Gimenez's greatest strengths is his movement. His attacking instinct allows him to find space and get on the end of through balls and crosses, a skill that Arsenal could greatly benefit from. The Mexican forward strikes the ball cleanly and is a threat both inside and outside the box. His goal-scoring record in the Eredivisie speaks volumes about his ability to finish chances — a trait that Arsenal's current forwards have struggled with this season.

In 2023 alone, Gimenez has scored 31 league goals, surpassing Luis Suarez's record for most goals in a calendar year in the Eredivisie. This level of productivity is exactly what Arsenal needs to bolster their attacking options. While Gabriel Jesus, Eddie Nketiah, and Leandro Trossard have their strengths, none have matched Gimenez’s scoring prowess this term.

According to The Guardian, Gimenez could be available for around £60 million. If Arsenal were to secure his signature at this price, it would make him the fourth most expensive signing in the club’s history. Such an investment indicates the level of belief the club has in his potential to make a significant impact.

Dutch football legend Ruud Gullit has expressed that Gimenez would be a good fit for Arsenal, citing Feyenoord’s similar style of play to the Gunners. “I think Santiago Gimenez would be a good fit for Arsenal as Feyenoord play similar football. He'd be used to that and it'd be easier for him to fit in,” Gullit told GamblingZone. This endorsement highlights the potential for a seamless transition for Gimenez into Arsenal’s tactical setup.

Why Arsenal needs Gimenez

Arsenal’s need for a clinical striker is evident. Despite having a variety of attacking options, the Gunners have lacked a consistent goal scorer. Gimenez’s ability to convert chances and his proven track record in the Eredivisie make him an attractive option. His movement, clean striking, and attacking instinct are qualities that could elevate Arsenal’s frontline.

Furthermore, his potential move to the Premier League aligns with Arsenal’s ambitions to compete at the highest levels both domestically and in Europe. Gimenez’s hunger for goals and his knack for finding the back of the net could be the missing piece in Arsenal’s quest for silverware.

As the January transfer window approaches, the speculation around Santiago Gimenez and his potential move to Arsenal will likely intensify. The Gunners are clearly in need of a striker who can consistently deliver goals, and Gimenez fits that profile perfectly. Whether Arsenal can finalize the deal and bring the Mexican star to the Emirates Stadium remains to be seen. However, if they do, it could be a game-changer for Mikel Arteta’s side.