Alexandre Lacazette has been the subject of plenty of criticism from Arsenal fans this season and could be one of the players the Gunners look to offload this summer.
Having been brought in for £50m more than two and a half seasons ago, it is unlikely that Arsenal will be able to break even on the player this summer, especially when you consider the uncertainty that will likely impact the transfer market. Nonetheless, with Lacazette closing in on his 29th birthday and entering the final two years of his contract, it appears that now is the right time for him to move him on.
Given the fact he has managed just seven Premier League goals this season, making him a poor choice with Betenemy to be first scorer throughout the campaign, his reputation has certainly taken a hit. However, a closer look at his statistics this season suggests he could represent an option for a number of sides in England’s top flight.
So far this term, the Frenchman is ranked 11th in the division in terms of non-penalty goals and assists per 90, boasting a better record than Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Marcus Rashford, Raheem Sterling and Roberto Firmino. He is also features in the top 20 for combined xG and xA, while he ranks 13th in the division in terms shots on target per 90. His seven goals and three assists have come from just 15 starts and his tally of 1.2 key passes per match ranks him fifth among strikers that have made more than 10 appearances.
Lacazette’s defensive output is also a part of his game that has endeared him to fans in the past, with his pressing particularly impressive. Meanwhile, only David McGoldrick and Richarlison have completed more tackles from the centre-forward position than the former Lyon man.
All in all, Lacazette’s numbers paint the picture of a striker whose form has perhaps not been as bad as some have suggested and Arsenal’s Premier League rivals should take note. Finding a reliable centre-forward is a real challenge for most clubs and the Frenchman already has 34 Premier League goals to his name. Leicester City, Everton, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Chelsea could all be in the market for a striker this summer and given the circumstances at Arsenal, Lacazette could be available.
Of course, Arsenal will need to find a replacement or sign Aubameyang up to a new deal before they are willing to let Lacazette leave, but if they make that decision he is a player with Premier League experience that should be attracting plenty of interest.
