After missing out on the title to Leicester City last season in the Barclays Premier League by 10 points, Arsenal team management has finally realised that they would need a top quality centre-forward who will score goals on a regular basis and be clinical in front of goal if the Gunners are to lift the title again. While, in the present market, the price of almost all players are inflated and wanting to buy a world class striker would cost in excess of £60m comfortably.
Napoli’s star striker Gonzalo Higuaín was the choice for Arsenal but the massive asking price served as a deterrent. The club is not willing to pay that sort of money for a 28-year-old with two years remaining on his contract. Arsenal, are in need of a striker who has the pace for the current one leading the line doesn’t have that attribute. While, Arsenal would be looking to sign a number 9 who can be the first choice replacing Giroud, signing someone who would be able to play either as the lone forward or work in tandem with Olivier would be much more exciting. Arsenal’s potential shortlist of strikers does have someone who can be that man and it’s Alexandre Lacazette.
Lacazette is not as good as Higuaín but he is a very prolific goal scorer and a wonderful finisher. Lacazette can play as the lone forward up front as well as in a withdrawal role alongside a big target man. The 25-year-old is very mobile and is a very good passer of the ball as well. His passing abilities allow him to create chances for his teammates as well, Lacazette lacks stands at only 5ft 9inches tall but he is powerful enough in the duels and is very good in retaining possession in tight areas and under pressure.
Arsenal’s passing game would suit the Lyon man and the prospect of him linking with Giroud is really mouthwatering. As we are all aware by now, the Frenchman is excellent in bringing others into the game and with his flicks and deft touches create wonderful openings for his teammates in and around the penalty area. Theo Walcott could have worked perfectly with Giroud up front but Walcott very frequently lets himself down with his final delivery, decision making and is very inconsistent and weak in the duels. This is exactly where Lacazette comes alive and would really make the attacking moves of the Gunners much more efficient. The forward has scored over 20 goals in the French Ligue 1 in his last two seasons and has improved his efficiency in front of the goal tremendously.
While the rumours about Higuaín and Icardi are still going strong and most fans demanding that we sign Higuaín or Icardi, Lacazette for £42m is a much better deal according to me and if the club manages to sign the Frenchman then Arsenal would become a much bigger attacking threat which will help them next season in the title race.
