There has been much debate on Alexandre Lacazette since the arrival of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, with some commentators speculating that Wenger may cash in on the Frenchman in the summer.
Not only is this a wild assumption based purely on the fact that Lacazette hasn’t bagged an expected 20 + goals, but it’s also presumed that the striker is surplus to requirements because Aubamayang is seen as Wenger’s preferred choice.
Former Arsenal striker Alan Smith recently cast doubt on the Frenchman’s future, when he said that the striker could be sold this summer. According to Daily Star, he said:
“He may not be the player that Arsenal thought he was,” Smith said.
“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.”
Good point, but let’s consider the bigger picture rather than the short-term version.
The amount of games that are involved in the Premier League, Carabao Cup, FA cup, Champions or Europa League, means that a team has to have depth to be able to compete at the highest level.
If Lacazette were sold off in the summer, Arsenal would have to pray to the Gods that Aubamayang remained injury free or that Danny Welbeck was able to find his shooting boots, improving substantially on his current erratic strike rate.
Wenger may yet find a way to play both strikers because they are a complete contrast in many respects and that could mean that they complement each other perfectly.
If the Arsenal boss needed reminding that he needs both, he need look no further than this seasons Europa league campaign, which saw Aubameyang cup-tied and Lacazette injured.
This saw him rely on Danny Welbeck but if Arsenal are to be in contention for all the major trophies, he will need his two expensive hot shots to see him through.
After realising that he needed to dig deep into his pockets to replace the likes of Henry and Van Persie, he would be borderline certifiable if he cast Lacazette to one side without even giving him an opportunity to prove his worth.
