Five statistics that prove Alexandre Lacazette is the man to drive Arsenal forward

Thu 6 July 2017 12:30, UK

Arsenal supporters alike rejoiced last night after, what seems like an eternity, manager Arsene Wenger finally delved deep into his pockets and paid a big transfer fee to sign Alexandre Lacazette.

have reported that the switch from Lyon to the Emirates will cost around £46.5 million, potentially rising to £52.6 million with add-ons, meaning he will become Arsenal’s most expensive signing.

The 26-year-old forward will join up with the Gunners on a five-year deal and will travel with the squad when their pre-season tour of Sydney kicks off this weekend, set to face two friendly matches.

After becoming the biggest profile signing at the Emirates since Mesut Ozil’s arrival from Real Madrid back in 2013, The Boot Room takes a look at five interesting stats about the Frenchman.

28 – Proven threat in front of goal

Let’s not beat around the bush, Arsenal have been crying out for a proven goal-scorer for years and it seems like they may have finally found that in Lacazette.

Playing for Lyon last season he ended the campaign with a tally of 28 goals from 30 Ligue One matches – only second to Paris Saint Germain’s Edison Cavani – which was a highly impressive feat.

Perhaps the most exciting thing for Arsenal fans is the fact that Lacazette is no one trick wonder, managing totals of 27 goals and 21 goals for the two seasons prior to this – all in all, he’s consistent.

So much of the Gunners’ end product in the opposition third was reliant on talisman Alexis Sanchez last year, but with the Frenchman in the ranks there should now be much more potency.

38.89% – Clinical finisher

There are many that may still remain sceptical about Lacazette considering he’s arriving from the French league – and arriving from a side that haven’t won a league title since the 2007/08 season.

There will always be question marks as to whether Ligue One is ‘easier’ than the Premier League, and it is arguable that it’s not as competitive, but it’s not just his final goal tally that has impressed.

Last season Lacazette converted just under 40% of his chances – the highest percentage in the league – and it’s his clinical nature in and around the penalty area that has caught the attention.

He needs no invitation to work a yard of space just outside the box and unleash a shot, and his incredibly high chance conversion rate suggests that more often than not he’s hitting the target.

247 – Finisher turns provider

As much as Lacazette has hit the headlines with his ability to find the back of the net in France there’s far more to his game than simply being a goal-scorer.

During his time spent at boyhood club Lyon the 26-year-old has managed to create 247 chances across eight seasons – with 21 assists – and he’ll arrive at the Emirates with a real two-pronged threat.

His quick movement both on and off the ball, allied with his tricky feet and ability to move the ball past his defender in an instant, means that he’s incredibly dangerous when in possession in wider areas.

The Frenchman has almost developed the perfect balance between being a selfish, greedy striker and an intelligent and quick-thinking provider in the final third – he’s a defender’s worst nightmare.

6 – Thursday night threat

It may not exactly be where Arsenal want to spend their time but after missing out on Champions League football for the upcoming season there’s still a Europa League trophy there for the taking.

And in Lacazette they’ve got a man who revelled in the competition last season for Lyon, taking them to the brink of a final day show-down with Manchester United only to fall short against Ajax.

After falling out of the Champions League group stage the 26-year-old managed six goals in just eight knock-out matches – including braces against AZ Alkmaar and Ajax.

Against some leaky European defences he simply has a field day, and with Arsenal set for Thursday night football for the first time ever he could help them to a new piece of silverware to their cabinet.

1 – Slow starter for France

Despite his prolific form in front of goal for Lyon over the past few years his international career hasn’t quite managed to materialise just yet after struggling to break into the France side regularly.

Since making his international bow in June 2013 the 26-year-old has only managed a further 10 appearances, somewhat ironically always playing second fiddle to new teammate Olivier Giroud.

In this time he’s also only managed to find the back of the net once – netting in a friendly against Denmark – and Lacazette will hope a move to the Premier League can boost his chances with France.

With the 2018 World Cup looming on the horizon there’s no better time to stake a claim for a spot on the plane – should France qualify – and there’s no better place for him to shine than at Arsenal.

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