Arsenal cannot sell both Lucas Perez and Olivier Giroud

The seemingly impending arrival of Lacazette may mean Arsenal has to ship out a forward or two. But the club should avoid selling both Perez and Giroud.

Reports on the signing of Alexandre Lacazette have been circling the tabloids over the past 48 hours. Yet being an Arsenal fan has taught me to wait for an official announcement before any conclusions are made (Higuain anyone?).

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However, reliable sources are saying that the move is likely to happen. With Lyon having signed 2 strikers in the past few days (Traore from Chelsea and Diaz from Real Madrid) the deal seems to be gathering pace.

A record transfer fee of over 45m is being quoted. This would be Arsenal’s record signing and therefore Lacazette would command the starting role at the club. This could upset some of the strikers we already have.

Lucas Perez looks a certainty to leave the club after not being given a fair chance. But Olivier Giroud’s departure is still up in the air. While Lacazette would indicate Giroud is no longer a sure fire starter anymore. Losing both strikers would leave Arsenal understaffed in the forward department.

With Alexis Sanchez’s departure also looking inevitable, I think it is crucial that Arsenal holds on to Giroud. By all means, let Theo Walcott and Perez leave and add some cash to the transfer budget. But should Giroud leave then this would leave only Danny Welbeck and Lacazette up front.

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Welbeck is injury prone and can’t find the net with enough regularity. And Lacazette will need a period of adaptation to the English game. Youngsters Donyell Malen and Eddie Nketiah are still far off prominence in the first team. So Giroud’s presence is vital.

Convincing him to settle for second rate role will be difficult especially with the world cup around the corner. A transfer to West Ham may appeal to Giroud. He could rack up more minutes and the style of play would be tailored to his liking.

If Giroud forces a move in order to gain first team football. Wenger may even make Perez stay and promise him Europa league football. Heading into a season where we are likely to play close to 50 competitive games. Having only 2 out and out strikers does not bode well.

The ideal situation would be where we sign Lacazette and keep Giroud. A combination of Lacazette, Welbeck and Giroud would help Arsenal tackle all the competitions full on. With Giroud ahead of Lacazette in the national side. Maybe he will fancy his chances to overhaul him at club level as well.

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The striker situation is one that has been problematic since van Persie’s departure. While Lacazette would give us the world class finisher we’ve been yearning for. Letting both Perez and Giroud leave this summer would ultimately be a shot in the foot.