Bruce Arena talked to reporters today alongside the USMNT camp about his newest signing Samuel of Fluminense. The target forward was something the Galaxy had been looking at for some time, even going down to Brazil to scout him in person. The signing address a weakness the Galaxy had last season.
Only eight of their 54 goals scored in MLS play came via the head, about fifteen percent. From August 18th through the end of the season the LA Galaxy scored no goals via the head. Only 6% of their shots came from inside the six yard box. The LA Galaxy were shooting through defenses last season, only rarely going over or past them.
"Samuel's a forward from Fluminense, we've seen him in person about a month ago watched him on film he's the kind of player we think we need on our team a big strong athletic forward. Plays well in front of the goal, he will be a presense in front of the goal. He's a young player with a lot of potential and we need to get him here in Los Angeles and see how he fits in with our team."
Arena went on to say that without taking anything away from Robbie Keane and Landon Donovan, there are times when you need a stronger physical presense up top. He admitted a lack of a target forward was a weakness last season, which would explain why the Galaxy were rumoured to be in on Eddie Johnson. The club needs someone who can go up high. When Omar Gonzalez is your lone target on set pieces, there's an issue. It also seems Arena isn't done looking for physical forwards.
"We're going to follow up this week with probably another player who can play in that position as well. We're trying to shore up our target position ... you'll see later this week or next week we're going to sign a player who offers us those [target forward] qualities as well."
If there isn't a signing announced at the end of the week it's likely to come next week. Deals are never done 'till they're done and last year Arena claimed for weeks that he was a week away from signing a DP replacement after Beckham left. Still, the offseason moves thus far show it's clear that Arena is not satisfied with a forward corps consisting of Donovan, Keane, and a bunch of prospects.