Arsenal Opinion: 2 Alexandre Lacazette replacements Emery must consider
Spanish champions Barcelona have set their sights on a stunning move for Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette, reports the Express.
The Frenchman, 27, has been Arsenal’s Player of the Year after he netted 18 goals in all competitions this season. The striker impressed Barcelona scouts while netting a brace in his side’s 3-1 victory over Valencia in the Europa League last week.
And now the report claims the Catalan giants are preparing a £70m bid for Lacazette ahead of the summer transfer window.
The Gunners have missed out on a place in the top four following their 1-1 draw with Brighton at the weekend. However, Unai Emery’s side can still play Champions League football next season if they manage to win the Europa League.
As far as Lacazette is concerned, selling him would be a complete disaster. The prolific Frenchman has been the club’s best player this season by a country mile and Emery cannot simply let him go when the team is having so much trouble finding their way back with the Europe’s elite.
But failing to qualify for the Champions League might make it difficult for Arsenal to hold onto Lacazette, who apparently has a close relationship with Barcelona’s technical advisor Eric Abidal. That being said, it’s important for Emery to start plotting potential replacements for the France international.
Here are two replacements for Lacazette Arsenal should consider in the summer.
1. Ryan Fraser (Bournemouth)
Ryan Fraser has been in electric form for Bournemouth this season and it doesn’t come as a surprise to see him already being linked with a move away to Arsenal. (h/t The Daily Mirror)
The diminutive Scotsman, 25, has netted seven goals and supplied 14 assists, with a game yet to be played. Fraser has consistently delivered the goods for Eddie Howe’s men and certainly, his best years are ahead of him.
Arsenal can definitely enjoy the peak years of the nippy 25-year-old if they manage to lure him away from the Vitality Stadium. Blessed with great pace, dribbling skills, vision and composure in front of goal, Fraser could be a top acquisition for the Emery’s side.
2. Lorenzo Insigne (Napoli)
Another star Arsenal have been linked with in recent weeks is Napoli skipper, Lorenzo Insigne, reports Corriere dello Sport. (h/t Sport Witness)
Insigne has struggled with injuries throughout the campaign and has been limited to just 26 Serie A appearances, though he has scored 10 goals and supplied six assists.
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The Italian is lightning quick, technically gifted, creative and hard-working, whilst having international experience as well. He is a dynamic forward, who can play anywhere across the front-line and the 27-year-old would be the perfect foil for Aubameyang if Lacazette leaves for Barcelona in the summer.
