Just focusing on the points in bold. Giroud certainly isn't a typical Wenger striker but we moved away from that model a long time ago. I've stressed this point yesterday. Since moving to a solo striker formation, Wenger has been looking for strikers that can hold up the ball in the box. Henry had a hard time adjusting to that role because he was so used to drifting into wide positions to find space but we needed a presence in the box. So in came Ade. When Henry left we bought Eduardo, a natural goal scorer but not a psychical player so Wenger was reluctant to play him up front on his own or would play him on the left.
He'd also tinker with Bendtner up front, we brought Chamakh in and Wenger would always praise his team work and how he brings others into play. Heck, he'd even give Sanogo a run up front before trying a smaller quicker player like Theo. Reason being he wants a player up front with a physical presence. RVP is the only player to have that presence but also have flair and deadly in the box. He's the exception and it took years to make him. From a winger, to number 10 to the perfect solo striker. It's been an age since we've had a Henry, Anelka type. Maybe we've been priced out of the market but then again, we've always developed our strikers. They've never been a finished product. So why have we moved away from players with pace up front but instead looked for more bulky players that work hard for the team. Ade, Chamakh and Giroud have that in common and all three aren't natural goal scorers. Far predators in the box.
In fact, if you look at their goal scoring records before Arsenal, it's unimpressive and Wenger had to be looking at something else when scouting them. It was clear they weren't natural goal scorers before we signed them. Also, Giroud is a far better player now than what he ever was. Scoff at players like Bony or Benteke, but looking at their goal scoring records, the type of goals they score, you don't think Wenger could improve them like Giroud? They are younger too. Prem experience and have scored more than Giroud over a season for poorer teams. I'm sure Wenger could bring them up to an even better level. But they're also on the more bulky side as well.
I'm more baffled at why he hasn't tried to develop the physical side of a player with natural flair or goal scoring ability like he did with RVP. Why take so long to try Theo in that role? Why not try Sanchez? Why not develop Vela physically when we had him here because that kid had a natural eye for the goal. There are plenty of other examples. It just doesn't make sense to do the reverse. Chamakh, Bendy and Sanogo are the extreme examples. A great presence up top but poor poor finishers. Why not teach these smaller players how to hold up the ball and negotiate their way around the box? How to be team players as well as goal scorers?
You also mention Martial but Wenger has said he thought he was a winger. Which suggests to me that he's not looking for the next Henry anymore. Or he can't see who has the potential to develop into that sort of player.
http://www.espnfc.co.uk/manchester-u...-arsene-wenger
