Transfer Story
Arsenal’s transfer activity is always one which has left their fans frustrated. Gonzalo Higuain, Karim Benzema, Luis Suarez are just three names which come to mind when we talk about Arsenal’s failed bids for top talent in recent seasons. Not this window though, as the Gunners are seeking to cut the gap in spending between the top six clubs in the English top flight.
As usual, they have been linked with one of the best strikers in Europe right now, and that is Lyon’s Alexandre Lacazette. The Gunners had one bid, rumoured to be £28.5m for Lacazette rejected last summer. The Frenchman had agreed to join Diego Simeone’s Atletico in the summer. But it was not to be, as the Spanish giants had their transfer ban upheld until January 2018.
Arsene Wenger does not have the chips to bargain this summer as his side is without Champions League football. The stars who are already at Arsenal are desperate for some kind of action from their boss, and to go out and get one of the best in Europe will do so much good to the dressing room. Olivier Giroud has been immense for the Gunners since arriving, but he certainly does not have the attributes to stay at Arsenal being the wrong side of 30. he might be offloaded as a make-weight for his fellow French teammate.
But Lyon’s President Jean-Michel Aulas had some ominous(for Arsenal fans, of course) things to say when asked about his striker’s situation:
“Alexandre Lacazette was told he could leave,” Aulas said. “We had negotiations with Atletico. Things did not work out. We now have a very nice offer from Arsenal. But for us, he will not leave.”
Player stats
Lyon’s poster boy was in scintillating form last season. He scored 37 goals in all competitions, along with 4 assists from 45 appearances. This was on his way to ten man-of-the-match awards. That is a staggering output and the 26-year-old is also in his prime. It is easy to see why he is wanted by all the big clubs in Europe.
Lacazette is one of the deadliest finishers currently in the game, and that cutting edge is what Arsenal need in order to get them back into the Champions League. He averages around 3 shots and 1.5 key passes per game respectively. He created 46 chances last season and has a shot accuracy of 65%. (via whoscored)
Worth the price?
Lacazette will no doubt have great coordination and chemistry with the front men of Arsenal, Ozil and Sanchez. It is all up to Wenger to pay the 60m Pounds which is being quoted as the price for his services.
