Arsenal: Thomas Lemar could be Santi Cazorla replacement

Arsenal signing Thomas Lemar looks possible despite reports of rejected bids. He may be an Alexis replacement but he could be the next Cazorla.

For years Arsene Wenger has loved the idea of having an Arsenal team of 11 technical undersized playmakers. While they perfectly suit Arsenal’s style of play,some physical presence was certainly needed. Wenger addressed some of those problems by signing Granit Xhaka and Shkodran Mustafi last summer.

Yet despite the accumulation of all these technically gifted players, a certain Santi Cazorla may have been the most important of all. The Spaniard signed from Malaga in 2012 started off in a more advanced role.

But after a few seasons Wenger decided to place him deeper in the Gunners midfield. In almost a quarter back metronomic role where he enjoyed great success. So much so, that ever since Cazorla suffered from injury troubles, the team hasn’t really looked the same.

Nobody can replicate that ability to wriggle out of small spaces in midfield. Despite a lack of physical stature, Cazorla is perfectly suited to the deeper midfield role. His presence in that position over the past few seasons has been sorely missed.

As a result, fans and analysts alike have called for a replacement. Names like Tolisso, Isco and Seri have been thrown around and are definitely all great options. But the recent rumors surrounding Thomas Lemar that have intrigued me most.

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The young Frenchman is obviously immensely talented and coincidentally, like Cazorla, has started his career out wide despite the lack of a real turn of pace. Lemar is much more of a creator (shown by his 14 assists last season). I am a firm believer that Wenger could mould him into the perfect Cazorla replacement.

Ramsey and Wilshere may offer intriguing internal solutions, Lemar’s characteristics and star quality are more suited to the role.

Cazorla is someone that brings out the best out of the rest of the side so effectively. Mesut Ozil operates best when someone can get the ball to him quickly. This means he can face up the opposition defense before playing a defense splitting pass. Wingers and full backs also benefit from Cazorla’s expert distribution and the team so sorely misses his influence.

If Lemar could help fill that void then he wouldn’t have to displace one of Ozil or Sanchez in a more attacking role and could allow the signing of a star striker. Lacazette, Ozil, Sanchez and Lemar in one team sounds pretty tasty if you ask me.

Next: 3 Potential Replacements For Laurent Koscielny

The summer has been one of relative frustration so far. But if Wenger can pull Lemar and Lacazette out of the bag then the outlook for next season will be considerably brighter. Kolasinac was a great addition. But Gooners need a marquee signing to really excite them and Lemar would do just that.

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