Arsenal Can’t Hesitate on Alexandre Lacazette Interest Despite Form

Odsonne Edouard to Replace Alexandre Lacazette

In terms of replacements available across Europe, who won’t break the bank, who are at the right age and profile, Odsonne Edouard would be ideal.

Atletico brought in Moussa Dembele this January on a six-month loan deal, and should he fail to excite and Lacazette becomes heads the wishlist once more, then the summer is an opportunity for Arsenal to spend whatever they accrue from his sale on the Celtic frontman.

Raved about plenty in the past, Edouard is one of the most complete centre-forwards in Europe; one who will only improve once he makes the step up in division. 52 goals in his first two seasons in Glasgow have been followed by less impressive numbers this term, although how he has managed to net 11 times in 23 outings is actually impressive considering the dire form Celtic have shown this campaign.

Off-field turmoil, wretched performances on it and managerial uncertainty have seen them fall well off the pace in the title race – it’s already over – yet Edouard has still found the back of the net seven times in 15 league appearances.

Superb with both feet, strong in the air, technically assured and intelligent with his movement, it’s no wonder he features on numerous wanted lists across the country.

It’s been rumoured that the Hoops have slashed their £40m asking price down to a lowly £25m, a figure that is more than manageable for Arsenal with Lacazette’s potential sale. Edouard also has 18 months left to run on his deal and Celtic would rather accrue the most they can to avoid him leaving for cut-price fee, or worse, nothing at all.

Despite Lacazette rediscovering his scoring touch, Arsenal mustn’t be lured into a false sense of security with the striker. Better than he’s given credit for, the dry patches in front of goal will return if he’s tied down for a few more seasons. When they happen, the club will be left to rue their foolishness once more.

If the resulting recruitment is right, sales such as these are imperative to reshaping the outlook of this squad. Even if Lacazette has the best six months of his Arsenal career before the end of the season, the club can’t lose sight of the bigger picture.