Arsenal: Is Alexandre Lacazette now a potential departee?

Alexandre Lacazette is now facing a six-week injury lay-off after essentially being replaced by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang just six months after he arrived at Arsenal. Is he now a potential summer departee?

Alexandre Lacazette signalled the ushering in of a new striking era at Arsenal. Signed for £47 million, the Frenchman was initially seen as the natural replacement for Olivier Giroud, even though he was often stuck behind in the national picture, bringing a greater mobility and ruthlessness in spearheading the attack.

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And the early signs were good. He scored within two minutes of his Premier League debut with a clever, neat glanced header into the far corner, and showcased the same natural goalscoring prowess that attracted Arsene Wenger to invest so heavily in his services.

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But then, as the shine of being new began to wear away, Lacazette’s form deteriorated. At first, it was just an absence of goals. His movement was still sharp, his touches were tidy, and chances were still there thanks to his anticipation, intelligence and industry. However, as the confidence seeped away with every passing goalless game, his performances also slipped. Suddenly, nine games had gone without a goal, his shoulders slumped, and he cut a rather crestfallen, forlorn figure. All was not well.

Such trouble was then only compounded by Arsenal’s January business. The £56 million signing of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, breaking Lacazette’s record fee, just six months after he himself was acquired, saw his place in the starting XI called into question. The very first game that Aubameyang was available for selection gave us an irrefutable answer: there was no room for Lacazette.

And now, to only further matters, Lacazette is facing a six-week lay-off after undergoing knee surgery immediately proceeding perhaps his worst display of the season, coming off the bench in the North London derby, only to miss two good chances that a striker of his pedigree, reputation and quality should be converting.

The ever-worsening scenario begs the question: Could Lacazette be a surprise summer departee just 12 months after his arrival? His standing in the squad has dwindled, his playing time has reduced, something that is especially significant in a World Cup year when Giroud, his direct rival on the international stage, was allowed to leave because of the exact same gripe, and now he is set to miss a good portion of the remainder of the year.

Additionally, there have been some reports and claims suggesting that Lacazette was never the player that Wenger wanted. When that is allied with the growing rumours that Arsenal are again in the market for more attacking talent next summer, including the likes of Timo Werner, and it is not particularly difficult to put two and two together.

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Do I expect Lacazette to leave this summer? No, absolutely not. Wenger is fiercely loyal to his players and is extremely patient in waiting for them to fulfil their ability. But that does not mean that I would be all that surprised if it did happen. Things are not going well. Perhaps that means that they will soon end.