Opinion

Report: Two Arsenal players that would internally replace Lacazette if sold in the summer

Alexandre Lacazette has been at Arsenal for almost three years now but he has however not lived up to expectations and here are two players that could internally replace him in the summer.

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 27: Alexandre Lacazette of Arsenal during the UEFA Europa League round of 32 second leg match between Arsenal FC and Olympiacos FC at Emirates Stadium on February 27, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Arsenal signed Alexandre Lacazette from French Ligue one side Lyon for a fee believed to be around €53million in the 2017 summer transfer window and even though he had a wonderful start by scoring on his debut in the 4-3 win over Leicester City, the Frenchman still had an average season as the gunners got his replacement half way through the season.

Lacazette formed a great partnership with Aubameyang last season but it has however been stressed by many football pundits that the gunners would be better off playing the Gabon international in the striking role since he is the better goal scorer. Lacazette has been poor this season as he has only scored nine goals in all competitions whilst being one of the highest paid players at the Emirates Stadium.

The gunners will be looking to cut on their wage bill and raise funds in the summer transfer window, and it’s hugely reported that they will be selling Lacazette and we take a look at two Arsenal players that would instantly fill in the void that the Frenchman would leave.

1. GABRIEL MARTINELLI

BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND – JANUARY 27: Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli arrives at the stadium before the FA Cup Fourth Round match between AFC Bournemouth and Arsenal at Vitality Stadium on January 27, 2020 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Arsenal signed Gabriel Martinelli in last year’s summer transfer window and he has had a wonderful start at the North London club as he has scored 10 goals this season even though he was playing in the third tier of Brazilian football and being just 18 years old. Even though he wishes to be a left winger, he has certainly been better as a striker and so it’s expected that Arteta will definitely be using him as a centre forward.

Martinelli has been impressive while still trying to adapt to the Premier League and so you can only wait to see how he will perform in the upcoming new season while under Arteta’s system that seems to suit most players. He could be a great replacement for Lacazette that would also give Arsenal the chance of using him on the flanks which is something that the Frenchman couldn’t do.

2. EDDIE NKETIAH

LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 18: Eddie Nketiah comes on for Alexandre Lacazette of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Sheffield United at Emirates Stadium on January 18, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Eddie Nketiah had his breakthrough three years ago and was loaned to Leeds United at the start of the season, and he scored a couple of goals there before getting recalled to Arsenal by Arteta in the winter transfer window. The gunners recalled Nketiah when Lacazette was off form and the boss gave the 20-year-old some chances and he scored two goals in all competitions and most importantly, seemed to be embrace the tactics of Arteta.

Nketiah is also another player that would also be able to fill the void left by Lacazette if the 28-year-old got sold in the summer. It is still not clear on what will happen in the summer but Lacazette has already been linked with an exit and the club would be happy to wipe off his wages since he is one of the top earners at the club.