Arsenal completed the club-record signing of Alexandre Lacazette from Lyon on Wednesday, with the Frenchman putting pen to paper on a long-term deal.
The Gunners announced his capture on Twitter:
LACAZETTE?!
Finally, it’s the news you’ve all been waiting for#LacaNewSigningarsn.al/YZ7puB
LACAZETTE?!
Finally, it’s the news you’ve all been waiting for#LacaNewSigningarsn.al/YZ7puB
Alexandre Lacazette agrees to join Arsenal
In a statement on their official website, manager Arsene Wenger expressed his delight at getting this one over the line.
"We are very happy to have Alexandre join our group," said Wenger. "He has shown over a number of years that he can score goals and that he is a very efficient finisher. As well, he has very interesting technical qualities and a strong character. So he is a guy who is a great addition for us, and someone who will help us challenge at the top level this season."
The 26-year-old Lyon native joined the club's youth ranks in 2003 before making 275 appearances for his hometown club, during which time he netted 129 goals, the majority of which were scored in the last four seasons as he established himself as a prolific goalscorer in France.
Last season, he hit 37 in all competitions, and Arsenal will be hoping he can achieve a similar tally next season as they look to regain their UEFA Champions League status and sustain a title challenge throughout the Premier League campaign.
Lacazette is one of the most prolific finishers in Europe.Xavier Laine/Getty Images
The Gunners have long lacked a top-class frontman to fire them to success, but they failed to recruit one until now.
Olivier Giroud is a fine squad player, and moving Alexis Sanchez up front last season paid dividends, but having a recognised, prolific centre-forward will benefit them greatly, particularly if the latter stays and links up with Lacazette.
As Squawka Football demonstrated, he has achieved consistently strong goal tallies in Ligue 1 and has a magnificent conversion rate:
With the likes of Mesut Ozil behind him next year supplying ammunition, Lacazette looks set to thrive at the Emirates Stadium.
He's creative in his own right, too, having laid on 46 chances for his team-mates in Ligue 1 last year, per Squawka.
Arsenal fans will be even more eager to witness his electric pace, which he puts to good use with dynamic movement and intelligent runs. Coupled with his unerring ability to hit the back of the net, it makes him a lethal force up top.
The Frenchman is Arsenal's second signing of the summer, having previously brought in Sead Kolasinac on a free transfer from Schalke.
Their signings mark a promising start to the window, so if the Gunners can make one or two more quality additions before the season begins—and keep hold of their best players—they'll be in an excellent position.
Arsenal may have had to pay a club-record fee to land Lacazette, but in today's market, it still represents good business for a player with his proven track record and his best years potentially still to come.
Their signings mark a promising start to the window, so if the Gunners can make one or two more quality additions before the season begins—and keep hold of their best players—they'll be in an excellent position.
Arsenal may have had to pay a club-record fee to land Lacazette, but in today's market, it still represents good business for a player with his proven track record and his best years potentially still to come.
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