Karim Benzema or Alexandre Lacazette Better for Arsenal?

By Josh Sippie | Jul 17, 2015

August 3, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema (9) turns the ball over against Everton during the second half of the International Champions Cup at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

The transfer rumors surrounding Arsenal’s striker pursuits have been widdled down to two names, both unsurprisingly French: Alexandre Lacazette and Karim Benzema. The similarities between the two nearly end at their nationality, however.

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Alexandre Lacazette is new to the show. He scored a respectable 18 goals in the 2013/14 season, but that kind of return is not worth what he is going for nowadays. What he is going for nowadays is because he led all of Ligue 1 in goals last season, scoring 31 goals in all competitions.

That right there qualifies you for a fee in the 25-35 million pound range. According to Lyon’s manager, he is not worried about Lacazette leaving, but he indicated that should someone offer 35-40 million, he would ” have to wave him off and wish him luck.”

Lacazette has proven to be a bit hesitant about his future, as he wants to step his game up to the next level. However, one good year, while impressive, does not always grab the attention of Arsene Wenger. That being said, Lacazette is only 24 years of age and could be a class striker at Arsenal for years to come.

And then there is Karim Benzema. Benzema is one of the most respected strikers in the world of football and he does so on a team that has Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and all the latest stars. yet Karim Benzema has been there his entire life and if it were up to him, he would remain there.

However, with new manager Rafa Benitez supposedly moving Ronaldo into the No. 9 role, Benzema may have to seek employment elsewhere.

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Whereas Lacazette lacks experience and a golden track record, Benzema is the exact opposite. He has scored 120 goals in 251 career appearances. At 27 years of age, he still has time to remain at the peak of his game.

Benzema’s price is right up there with Lacazette. In fact, it is reported that Arsenal have made a 40 million pound bid for him.

In terms of style of play, both Lacazette and Benzema bring a style that Arsenal do not necessarily have at the striker position. Lacazette has great pace and dribbling ability. He maintains control of the ball well and as far as strikers go, he is an excellent passer.

Benzema has some of the same traits, with the added benefit that he holds up play, just like Giroud. That style of play has been the go-to at Arsenal since Giroud’s arrival and continuing with it could easily lead to much more success.

Now, let’s use Squawka‘s comparison matrix to put them side by side and see who would be best, based on their performances last year (stats are per 90 minutes played).

[table id=57 /]

As you can see, the two put up similar numbers in a lot of categories but there is one area in particular that leads me to believe that Karim Benzema is a better overall fit at Arsenal than Alexandre Lacazette.

Benzema is a team-playing striker whereas Alexandre Lacazette is a striker more geared towards a team that goes to their striker for everything. Benzema delivers more assists and more chances although it is not by a landslide. I cannot help but think of everything that Karim Benzema would bring to Arsenal. The system is already geared towards his type of play. He would partner perfectly with Olivier Giroud.

Do not get me wrong, Lacazette would be fantastic too, but if the two really are going for just about the same price, might as well get the one that is a better fit. Lacazette may be younger but Arsenal have plenty of young striker talent. They need someone geared towards immediate success. If they can upgrade in the goal when it is not entirely necessary, then upgrading at striker and securing both ends of the pitch has to have at least crossed their minds.

Suggesting that Arsenal should nab Karim Benzema when they have already grabbed Petr Cech feels like borderline heresy, but the talk is hanging around, so there has to be some credence to it all.

Next: Is Chuba Akpom the Answer?

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