The reported Arsenal target Alexandre Lacazette has opened the door towards a potential move to the Emirates after claiming that a switch to the Premier League would be ‘interesting’ and that a lack of Champions League football would not be a dealbreaker in making the decision, insisting that the biggest factor would regular first-team football and the opportunity of being the main striker at his new club.
On a Facebook live chat with EuroSport, the Frenchman said: “Is the Champions League a deal-breaker for my choice? No, but it is important. In making my choice, I will look at my position [in my next club], if there are not too many players, so I won’t be benched and I will be able to play. The Premier League is interesting. That does not mean I will go, and that does not mean I will refuse to go.”
These comments from Lacazette comes on the heels of news that Arsenal are willing to launch an improved £115 million bid to secure the services of fellow Ligue 1 striker Kylian Mbappe, with the French national team coach Didier Deschamps subtely advising the teenage star to move to North London rather than Real Madrid, and renowned journalist Kike Marin claiming that Arsenal are willing to offer the Monaco hitman the role of an undisputed Number 9, something the newly-crowned European champions cannot.
But considering the Gunners’ financial constraints, perhaps a move for Lacazette looks more feasible as he should be available at around £40 million, allowing Arsenal to strengthen on other areas of the pitch as well. Besides, the Lyon striker comes with a superior goal-scoring record, with as many as 37 goals in 45 appearances this season and has proven himself as a consistent goal-scorer over the years.
While I understand that Mbappe could be the next Thierry Henry, I just think his price tag is not justified considering that he is only 18 years of age with just about a year of top-flight football under his belt. There can be no denying that Arsenal need more than just a striker this summer and with that in mind, Lacazette would be the better alternative. With BeIn Sport, who Wenger works for on a regular basis, is now reporting that Arsenal have opened talks for the Lyon hitman, let’s wait and see where this goes.
AT