Arsenal have completed the signing of Alexandre Lacazette from Lyon for a club record fee.
The Gunners have pursued the French international for several years and identified him as the man to bolster their frontline.
Lacazette can solve Arsenal's problem
Arsene Wenger has a wealth of attacking options at the club, including Olivier Giroud, Danny Welbeck and Lucas Perez, yet Lacazette’s unique individual qualities make him an exciting addition to the Arsenal squad.
Lacazette is likely to play in a lone role up front, although Alexis Sanchez’s uncertain future means he could be a potential replacement for the Chilean if Alexis does decide to leave in the coming weeks.
As it stands, however, Arsenal will be able to play Alexis, Mesut Ozil and Lacazette as a front three next season.
The upcoming pre-season games in Australia and China will reveal more about whether Wenger will stick with a three-man defence next term, but it is unlikely to affect Lacazette, who should feature in a central role throughout next season.
The 26-year-old plays as a central striker and uses a mixture of strength and pace to beat opposition defenders. He played on the left and right flanks early in his career, making him a versatile option for an Arsenal squad used to varying positions.
Giroud has been linked with a move away from Arsenal but there remains the option for Lacazette to play up front alongside another forward, with Danny Welbeck and Theo Walcott also available for selection.
If Alexis were to leave this summer, this is how Arsenal could line up without the Chilean — with Lacazette having the responsibility of being the leader in attack.
