Arsenal: 3 replacements for Alexandre Lacazette

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Leipzig’s Czech forward Patrik Schick (L) and Tottenham Hotspur’s English midfielder Harry Winks (R) vie for the ball during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg football match between RB Leipzig and Tottenham Hotspur in Leipzig, eastern Germany on March 10, 2020. (Photo by Ronny Hartmann / AFP) (Photo by RONNY HARTMANN/AFP via Getty Images) /

1. Patrick Schick

If Arteta is looking for a linking centre-forward who is more comfortable with his back to goal, can drift deep and into wider positions, and play their part in the offensive build-up as well as score goals, there are few in world football better than Patrik Schick right now.

The 24-year-old currently plays on loan at RB Leipzig from Roma. Julian Nagelsmann has moved him into a centre-forward position this season, but having developed as a winger, Schick has the natural touch and skill of a midfield player. This makes him the perfect candidate to drop between the lines, receive the ball, and then play forwards. He has scored seven goals in 889 Bundesliga minutes this season and has won 2.5 aerials per game thanks to his larger if sometimes a little narrow 6-foot-2 frame.

RB Leipzig reportedly have a €29 million clause included in their loan signing of Schick and will likely exercise it. That is a major spanner in the works, of course. But should Schick come free, Arsenal would be extremely wise to invest in his qualities. He will not turn 25 until next January and could be a leading centre-forward in the Premier League for as little £25-30 million.

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What comes of Schick’s future remains to be seen, but as his performances for Leipzig this season have illustrated, he would be the ideal Lacazette replacement for Mikel Arteta and Arsenal.

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