Arsene Wenger Clarifies Where He’ll Use Alexandre Lacazette

By The Editor
on 16th July 2017

Arsene Wenger on where he’ll use Alexandre Lacazette…

Arsene Wenger has clarified where he sees Alexandre Lacazette fitting into the side after using him as a left-winger in his last two appearances during the tour of Sydney.

Lacazette, our record signing, has led the line brilliantly for Lyon over the past few seasons; netting 113 goals in all competitions since 2013.

Many assumed he’d go straight into the side as our central striker, but Wenger has favoured Olivier Giroud in that role in the friendlies against Sydney FC and Western Sydney Wanderers.

Lacazette has taken up the position usually occupied by Alexis Sanchez in the 3-4-3 system, but Wenger has sought to clarify that he will use the £52million man as a central striker – despite his flexibility.

“Lacazette will play most of the time as a centre-forward,” Wenger said after our 3-1 win against Western Sydney Wanderers.

“He can play in any system because he’s a provider as well, he can combine and play in a 442.

“At the moment he plays a little bit behind Giroud, tonight he was more on the left, and he can play in that position as well.”

Over the past few seasons, Wenger has signed a number of forwards many felt would finally solve our central-striker problem, only for them to fall behind Giroud in the pecking order and be shunted out wide.

Alexis Sanchez, Danny Welbeck and Lucas Perez all experienced the same fate, and many fear Lacazette may not be able to displace Giroud who’s enjoyed a close relationship with Wenger.

It remains to be seen how the boss sees the two working together if Giroud stays.