Arsenal: 3 Alexandre Lacazette alternatives at centre-forward ranked

Arsenal's French striker Alexandre Lacazette celebrates after scoring their third goal during the English Premier League football match between Sheffield United and Arsenal at Bramall Lane in Sheffield, northern England on April 11, 2021. - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by Tim Keeton / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by TIM KEETON/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /

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Arsenal: 3 Alexandre Lacazette replacements at centre-forward following hamstring injury with Balogun, Nketiah and Martinelli possible. (Photo by TIM KEETON/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /

Alexandre Lacazette has been a revelation for Arsenal this season. While many expected him to be a sure-fire sale in the summer, his vast improvements in terms of goals and overall contribution to buildup play have resulted in both fans and the club hierarchy reconsidering.

The Frenchman has stepped up in the midst of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang‘s turmoil on and off the pitch and has provided a solid foundation for a much-improved Arsenal attack.

In light of this, his injury against Fulham in the Premier League is even more devastating. The forward pulled up in pain off the ball, which is never a good sign. He immediately went down, clutching his hamstring, looking visibly agitated and disappointed.

Losing a player in good form over such a crucial stretch of the season gives Mikel Arteta another tactical problem to solve. The Spanish manager will be looking to replace the Frenchman to get through a tough fixture list that will define the season.

Arsenal: 3 Alexandre Lacazette replacements at centre-forward following hamstring injury

Aubameyang would be perfect able to slot into the striker role if not for his fight for fitness against malaria. He contracted the illness over the international break and its effects will result in Aubameyang taking some time to get back to his best. There will need to be some patience with him.

Arsenal’s English striker Eddie Nketiah (C) celebrates scoring a late equalising goal for 1-1 during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Fulham. (Photo by IAN KINGTON/IKIMAGES/AFP via Getty Images) /

3. Eddie Nketiah

After Aubameyang, the choices do not inspire much confidence. Eddie Nketiah, while scoring against Fulham, does not have the ability to play with his back to goal as his hold up play leaves much to be desired.

The English forward has made appearances off the bench in the last three games – albeit breif cameos – but a lack of playing time may be due to the wrinkles in his game. Arteta appears to prefer someone who can drop deep and augment the midfield and Nketiah simply doesn’t offer those qualities.

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