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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LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 18: Gabriel Martinelli of Arsenal is put under pressure by Ola Aina of Fulham during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Fulham at Emirates Stadium on April 18, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Facundo Arrizabalaga – Pool/Getty Images) /

1. Gabriel Martinelli

The last option to replace Lacazette is Gabriel Martinelli. After impressing last season with his energy and goal threat, Martinelli suffered a serious knee injury and a subsequent lengthy layoff.

As Martinelli continues to get some much-needed minutes into his legs, Arteta may be looking to him to take up the mantle at centre-forward. The Spaniard has waxed lyrical about Martinelli and his mentality, while he has also, however, repeatedly shown his hesitancy in throwing the Brazilian into the deep end.

Martinelli has been played intermittently, with Arteta taking a more cautious approach compared to Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe. It has been widely reported that Arteta sees Martinelli as someone who will develop into the team’s long-term centre-forward, a position he has dabbled with throughout his career. He has all the attributes to do so.

Thus far, however, the manager has played him primarily on the left wing. With Lacazette’s injury and Aubameyang’s illness, now is the time to start the Brazilian down the center.

Nicolas Pepe has been more than effective from the left and Saka’s stellar performances on the right ensure that the wings are still dangerous if Martinelli moves to the middle. The 19-year-old’s energy and desire to press will be valuable assets at the business end of the season. Additionally, his pace and dribbling ability gives Arteta something different in Lacazette’s absence.

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