Arsenal Urged to Sign Alexandre Lacazette Replacement

There are always areas to improve. Is Alexandre Lacazette one of them?

A belated win at Old Trafford had fans purring at a midfield duo that made Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes look Europa League standard at best. Arsenal won that battle, and they won the match.

Leading the line was Alexandre Lacazette, who despite offering little quality on the ball, was relentless in his pressing and pivotal to Arsenal turning over possession high up the pitch. He blocked passing lanes, limited the centre-backs’ time on the ball and, well, did his job.

What he didn’t do was score.

Hardly swimming in cold hard cash at the moment, there was no way Mikel Arteta could bring in another forward during the summer window without sacrificing midfield additions – an area Arsenal now look immeasurably stronger in. Thomas Partey has transformed that area of the pitch.

But criticism is still being directed Lacazette’s way. Who could be brought in to improve that area remains a topic of discussion, one Kevin Campbell has weighed in on with a suggestion, while speaking to Football Insider. It’s Odsonne Edouard.

"“There was talk of a move to Arsenal. They have been utilising Aubameyang from the left and Lacazette is the one that Edouard could come in for.“Lacazette is the wrong side of 30 now. That move may still happen because Edouard is a really talented player. He is a natural goalscorer who is very cute around the box. A player that would be a great addition to anybody but for now he is at a huge club in Celtic.”"

Eventually, there will be a switch in attack. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang looks set to remain on the left side of the front three, but there will come a point as he gets older that a move infield will occur. As his pace fades – it isn’t doing so at the moment – his predatory instincts and superb finishing will force that alteration.

If that is to occur then a centre-forward is less urgent on the shopping list. As it is, there are some concerns over Lacazette, however, and it can’t be ignored just how gifted Edouard is.

https://twitter.com/Oedouard22/status/1324367339731767298

A player I’ve waxed lyrical over in the past, he embodies all the traits you could want in a modern striker. Moreover, an Arsenal striker. Technically he’s sound, more than capable with either foot and provides a threat all over the pitch.

There is a creative touch to his movement, too. Not always is his priority towards scoring, but picking up pockets of space where he can influence Celtic’s attacking movements to make openings for teammates. His goal record speaks for itself (68 in 137), yet the all-round competence he has makes his skill set hugely enticing.

How and where he’d fit into Arsenal is another matter. If Aubameyang moves centrally it’d be an expensive outlay for a backup striker. While Lacazette is still doing an OK in this Arsenal system (that’s key), clear flaws do exist within his game.

Furthermore, Eddie Nketiah is developing his game with every minute he plays and we’d all prefer to see him blossom into a Premier League regular without needing to dip (dive) into the market.

If a buyer for Lacazette could be found then it’s a different story. As it is, there are a few variables that need to fall into place.