Will Arsenal go for Javier Hernandez?

Arsenal are linked with a move for ex-Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez, but will the Gunners launch a bid for him?

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Hernandez left United in the summer, having fallen out-of-favour at the Red Devils since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson.

Hernandez spent last season on-loan with Spanish giants Real Madrid, scoring 9 goals in 33 total matches for Los Blancos.

Despite his performances in Spain, United allowed him to move on to pastures new and he settled for German Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen, where he has gone on to score in prolific style.

Hernandez has notched an impressive 19 goals in all competitions for Leverkusen, 11 in the Bundesliga alone, and a move to Arsenal has been mooted for a number of weeks.

But will Hernandez be approached by Arsenal? Or will Arsene Wenger look to sure up a midfield that has been decimated by injuries?

Why they will

Arsenal are without Alexis Sanchez and Danny Welbeck currently, meaning that their goal scoring options are fairly limited with Olivier Giroud being their best available striker.

Giroud has enjoyed a great goalscoring run this season, earning himself 10 goals already, but with Sanchez currently injured, Aaron Ramsey is the Gunners’ best goal scorer with just 3 under his belt.

The Gunners find themselves sat atop the Premier League and fans will be hoping that they can stay there until the end of the season, but if they were to lose Giroud to an injury then their chances of holding on to that spot greatly diminishes.

Hernandez has scored 19 goals in all competitions, including the Champions League, and would provide the Gunners with an international-level striker that has experience in the English top tier and would be an ideal partner for Giroud up front.

Hernandez is good at keeping the ball on the ground, taking on opposing defenders with pace, and would fit in well with Arsenal’s current system.

With passes coming from both Ramsey and Mesut Ozil there is a great chance that Hernandez could continue his prolific goal scoring and lead Arsenal to a Premier League title for the first time in over a decade.

Why they won’t

Hernandez has score freely in the Bundesliga this season, but that was not always the case when he was plying his trade in the Premier League with bitter rivals Manchester United.

The most Hernandez has ever scored in a Premier League season is 10, with the Mexican international scoring just 4 goals in his final full campaign with United, having played over 20 matches for the Red Devils.

Hernandez may also be bound by FIFA restrictions regarding transfers due to the fact that he made a solitary substitute appearance for the club at the beginning of this season.

FIFA rules stat that players can not play for three clubs over a designated 12-month period, but would be able to join a third club and simply train with them.

Hernandez’ appearance in United’s 0-0 draw with Newcastle back in August could lead to the Mexican being restricted until the end of the season, whereas Arsenal need his services now.

The FIFA rule has been challenged before, due to different countries having varying season start dates and schedules, but it could be the deciding factor regarding Arsenal’s interest in Hernandez if he is bound by this restriction.

But what do you think? Will Arsenal look at Hernandez? Or will he remain with Leverkusen and pick up interest from abroad in the summer window? Let us know your thoughts on the matter in the comments below!

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