Former Chelsea and Liverpool player Joe Cole claims Arsenal “missed a trick” in not signing summer Bournemouth forward Evanilson.
From Portuguese giants Porto, the Brazilian signed for the Cherries in the summer transfer window on a contract valued £40m. With the Fluminense academy product scoring ten Premier League goals in 28 appearances this season, Evanilson has fast settled in England.
One of his objectives was to lead Bournemouth from one goal down on Saturday to top second-ranked Arsenal 2-1 in the Premier League.
Earlier in the season, the 25-year-old spent a protracted period on the sidelines but rebounded to show great performance for the Cherries this season. And Cole believes Evanilson is exactly what Arsenal needs in the summer, given Mikel Arteta’s side lacks a top centre-forward—particularly in the second half of the season.
Following injuries to Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz ruled out for the season, midfielder Mikel Merino has been playing as a replacement striker. Regarding Evanilson on The Dressing Room Podcast, Cole said: “I like him. I believe he is vying for the Golden Boot if you include him on the Arsenal team.
“They didn’t go for a striker at the beginning of the season; it’s almost as if they are waiting for the ideal one. Why did you not walk outside and offer Evanilson a bid?
“They are a stronger squad right away if Evanilson was at Arsenal.” That adds ten goals, seven or eight points, and suddenly the league is far closer and you never know what may happen.
