Arsenal legend Alan Smith believes his former side could cash in on the signature of Alexandre Lacazette, should he fail to turn up for the Gunners during the remainder of the current season.
The France international joined the Gunners from Lyon for a then-record fee of £46.5m, and he made a good start to his career with eight goals in his opening 16 matches for the club.
However, goals have since dried up for the Les Gones graduate, and he has found the scoresheet on just one occasion since the 3-1 defeat to Manchester United in early December.
In a report covered by Goal.com, Smith feels Lacazette has limited time to prove himself with the Gunners, he could find himself out, ‘if he doesn’t come good’.
“He may not be the player that Arsenal thought he was. He started off well but you can look like a world beater in France and just not make the grade in England. Arsenal have a few other players to show that. They may even have to offload him if he doesn’t come good,” he said.
Lacazette was guilty of missing a wonderful chance to equalise during the 1-0 north London derby defeat to Tottenham Hotspur last month, and he has since found himself out of the firing line with a knee problem.
The Frenchman has, however, reported to full training in recent weeks, and he is likely to be deemed fit ahead of the Gunners’ league outing versus Stoke City – following the international break.
Lacazette may probably play second fiddle to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in the top-flight, but he is a certain contender to lead the line in the club’s quest for the Europa League crown.
Danny Welbeck has been leading the line with Aubameyang ineligible in the competition, and there could be a straight swap between the strikers for the quarter-final tie against CSKA Moscow.
