Arsenal: Overcoming Atletico Madrid A Transfer Necessity

Atletico Madrid are reportedly edging ahead in the race to sign Alexandre Lacazette. It is a necessity that Arsenal overcome their Spanish rivals.

The need for a striker last summer was one that was, ultimately, not satisfied. Arsenal had multiple bids rejected for multiple players, most notably Jamie Vardy who, after much deliberation, eventually rejected their advances due to concerns over stylistic differences.

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After a summer of frustration and spurned desires, Arsene Wenger was forced to settle for Lucas Perez. Before the summer started, it was reported that the Gunners saw Perez as a mid-level Premier League talent, with potential and experience but not the quality to ever lead a title-winning side.

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It was only after the difficulties that they found in other options that Perez became the primary avenue. While the Spaniard has impressed in the limited time that he has spent on the pitch, showing a deft first touch, intelligent movement and a ruthless streak in front of goal, there is still a need for improvement at the position if Arsenal are to successfully challenge for league titles in the future.

One man who was a target last summer was Lyon striker Alexandre Lacazette. A £29 million was rejected for the French goalscorer and, after a summer mired with rumour and report, the deadline passed with Lacazette remaining at Lyon. Now, though, after another vastly successful season and public comments revealing that he believes his career is needing a move to a bigger club, there are again suggestions that Arsenal could be a possible destination for the striker.

The same reports, though, also claim that Liverpool and Atletico Madrid are in the race to sign Lacazette, with the Spanish club edging ahead of their English rivals. It is imperative that Arsenal are able to overcome Atletico in their pursuit of Lacazette, especially given the expected departure of star attacker Alexis Sanchez.

Blessed with great pace, combined with a willingness to play on the shoulder of opposing defences, threatening in behind by running the channels, Lacazette has proceeded to score 22 goals in 22 Ligue 1 starts. That is to add to 15, 27 and 21 goal Ligue 1 campaigns. That is the record of consistent goalscoring success in the French league throughout a career.

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Although there are doubts regarding his link up play, his touch in tightly packed areas and his physicality, Wenger was clearly an admirer of his talent last summer and should only be more enamoured with his qualities after yet another impressive year. Lacazette would be the ideal replacement for Sanchez, playing as the lead striker. Overcoming Atletico, then, suddenly becomes a task of the utmost importance.