Wenger Would Be Wise to Consider Reus

The close of the transfer window draws nearer and nearer by the day, and Arsenal are looking more and more like they will once again be the last to complete their business.  Marcos Rojo has already signed for Manchester United and more signings are certain to be on the way.  Mario Balotelli joined Liverpool today, likely ending Brendan Rodgers’ transfer dealings for the summer.  

Arsenal on the other hand, have been quiet since snapping up Calum Chambers from Southampton for a cool 16 million pounds.  Mathieu Debuchy, David Ospina, and Alexis has also joined the club, giving Wenger a formidable crop of new faces.  But given Olivier Giroud’s recent inability to make contact inside the six yard box, the Gunners’ situation has become more complicated.  

One option that has been relatively quiet for a few weeks now is the idea of bringing in Marco Reus.  It was reported that Arsenal had a deal in place to sign Reus before the World Cup but the German forward was subsequently injured in one of the final warmup fixtures.  Thanks to Bayern Munich, the world now knows that there is a 25 million euro release clause in Reus’ contract with Borussia Dortmund.  

If this is true, Arsenal should strongly consider bringing in the German forward.  Even with his recent injury layoff, Reus is still a world class talent.  Furthermore, at that price, Arsenal would be given more flexibility to add a defensive midfielder or center back.  It’s starting to look like Calum Chambers could feature heavily at center back, so bringing in a steely midfielder is probably still top of Arsene Wenger's wish list.  

When the opportunity presents itself to add a talent the level of Reus however, making the purchase should be a no-brainer.  In a similar position last summer, Arsenal added Mesut Ozil to a team already stocked with a large supply of attacking midfielders.  Wenger justified the transfer fee by stating he couldn’t pass up the chance to sign the German, and he is now has a similar chance with Reus.  

Reus would fill more of a void than Ozil did at his position, and would be a huge step up from Olivier Giroud.  Reus is a center forward by nature, and while Giroud’s holdup play has been excellent, the quality of his finishing is below par with strikers at the other top teams.  Reus plays winger regularly for Borussia Dortmund, and just like Alexis he can play anywhere in the attacking third.  

It would be a perfect storm if Arsenal managed to sign both a quality defensive midfielder and a top striker, but signing Reus would be more than an increase in talent at the club.   Arsene Wenger will likely wait until the final few days of the window to complete his business for the summer, something Arsenal fans are all too familiar with.  Activating Marco Reus would be a top, top signing, and is an option the North London club needs to strongly consider.