Arsenal: Alexandre Lacazette Still An Intriguing Prospect

Alexandre Lacazette is once again being linked with a move to Arsenal. The Lyon striker continues to be an intriguing prospect that should be explored.

Arsenal’s search for a striker last summer did not go as hoped. Arsene Wenger entered the summer with the sole purpose of intending to upgrade Olivier Giroud as the lone striker in his 4-2-3-1 system. However, he was unable to thanks to a spate of issues throughout the summer months, that forced him to start Alexis Sanchez centrally.

The experiment proved successful. Sanchez was vibrant, energetic. He was relentless in his movement, pressed high up the pitch, stretched defences by running the channels, showcased a ruthless streak in the final third, especially in front of goal.

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However, Sanchez has visibly grown increasingly frustrated as the season has progressed and is now expected to leave at the end of the year where his contract will have just 12 months to run. It is in this context that makes Wenger’s recent comments regarding the strength of French national team so revealing. When asked about the prospects of his national team, Wenger highlighted Alexandre Lacazette as an example of a player who is indicative of the strength of the French national squad:

"“Every corner, you can find a player who can play for the national team, basically. When you look at players like Bakayoko, Lacazette, who are not even selected. That was not the case ten years ago, and that’s why I think France has an exceptional potential and maybe could take over.”"

Arsenal had a £29 million bid for Lacazette rejected last summer as a part of their futile search for a striker and, given Wenger’s clear admiration for the player, could well be interested in bringing him to the Emirates once again. Lacazette would certainly be a mightily intriguing prospect leading the Gunners’ line.

In including this current year, in his past four seasons, Lacazette has maintained a highly impressive Ligue 1 goalscoring rate: 15 goals in 36 games, 27 goals in 33 games, 21 goals in 34 games and now 23 goals in 24 games. While many may protest with the argument that it is only the French league – and that is an argument that does carry an element of significance – it is often the case that players who can demonstrate a consistent ability to score can translate that success to higher levels.

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Lacazette is a proven goalscorer with a calmness and assuredness in front of goal that would excel spearheading Arsenal’s creative midfield. His pace, his power and his movement. Lacazette is an excellent player and, at just 25, is a truly enticing option to explore.

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