Arsenal look set to experience a flurry of transfer activity this summer and it seems the Gunners are prioritising a move for a top-class striker, as they look to improve the attacking ranks that have struggled ever since Robin Van Persie left for Manchester United.
Alexis Sanchez was superb when playing in a central role this season but the Chilean ace faces an uncertain future at the Emirates Stadium, whilst it’s advisable Arsenal sign a striker to play ahead of the two-time Copa America winner if he does stay.
Arsene Wenger has expressed interest in signing Monaco starlet Kylian Mbappe, in a deal that could be worth in excess of £100m, but the French principality side do not want to part with the teenager and Real Madrid are also in the hunt.
Therefore, the Gunners have started to seek alternative options and the name of Alexandre Lacazette has appeared once again, with Arsenal having been heavily linked with a move for the French ace on numerous occasions in recent years.
This time around it certainly seems like a deal for Lacazette is possible as Lyon will struggle to persuade their leading striker to stay at the club, whilst Arsenal certainly have the funds required to bring the French striker to the Premier League.
Lacazette was recently linked with a move to Atletico Madrid, where he was eyed as a replacement for Manchester United target Antoine Griezmann, but the Spanish side failed in their appeal to get a transfer ban overturned- which leaves Arsenal in the clear to sign Lacazette.
The 26-year-old is open to a move to the Premier League, which could boost his chances of making Didier Deschamps’ France squad for the World Cup next summer, and he’d slot in perfectly to whatever formation Arsenal decide to play next term.
Should the Gunners continue with a three-man defence, Lacazette would be the focal point of the attack and would enjoy tremendous support from the players behind him, including Mesut Ozil and Aaron Ramsey, whilst the likes of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Hector Bellerin can provide support out wide.
If Arsenal revert to a four-man defence, Lacazette would still find himself as the focal point of Arsenal’s attack and he’d still get support from behind him and in the wide areas, where the likes of Alex Iwobi, Theo Walcott and Danny Welbeck could be instrumental.
Lacazette’s services will not come cheap but Arsenal’s push to sign Mbappe for a three-figure sum shows they have the money available and, crucially, Wenger is ready to spend.