Alexandre Lacazette will move to Arsenal this week

The president of Olympique Lyonnais has revealed that his star French striker Alexandre Lacazette will join Wenger and company at the Emirates this week. After a career-best season for Lacazette, will he be another attacking option for Arsenal? Or is he the replacement for Oliver Giroud or even Alexis Sanchez?

Everything about this deal is very French. Arsene Wenger is extremely close to acquiring French striker and Lyon academy product Alexandre Lacazette from the Ligue 1 giants. There are copious rumors about Arsenal’s other star attackers possibly moving away from London, with the futures of Frenchman Oliver Giroud and Alexis Sanchez not exactly crystal clear.

French publication Le Progres revealed that team president Jean-Michel Aulas will confirm the move in the next “one or two days”. After weeks of speculation and rumors swirling around the Frenchman and his connection to Arsenal, it looks like the Gunners will get their man this week.

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Arsenal’s main man, Alexis Sanchez, will announce his decision regarding his future in London in the coming days. Last week, ESPNFC reported that the Chilean attacker would let the world know of his plans after the Confederation Cup final. Lacazette’s role with the Gunners will be largely determined by Alexis’ plans. He is entering his final year of his contract.

Wenger’s current starting number 9, fellow countryman Oliver Giroud, is the first-team striking option for the French international team as well. Lacazette plays second fiddle to Giroud and Griezmann while on international duty, so he is already very familiar with his potential new teammate.

Daniel Zeqiri of The Telegraph wrote a great analysis of Lacazette and his potential role in the Arsenal offensive scheme. Unlike current strikers Sanchez and Giroud, Lacazette has been most effective playing in smaller spaces and making more direct sprint-like runs. Zeqiri also claims that the Lyon attacker will fit in perfectly in front of Mesut Ozil, who has an uncanny ability to find space and attacking opportunities.

In the last four seasons with Olympique Lyonnais, Lacazette has scored at least 22 goals. His career-best season was this last term, where the Frenchman notched 37 goals in just 45 competitions. Some will say you can’t grade his potential output in England based on his performances against Ligue 1 sides, but a striker of his ability will adapt to the competition quickly.

Next: Rooney or Giroud to Everton?

The deal will reportedly see Lacazette sign with the Gunners on a 5-year, $55 million deal.

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