5 Strikers Who Could Replace Lacazette

Alexandre Lacazette has found form recently, managing a goal contribution every 2 games. At many times however (at least to me), it seems like a more traditional target man would be better suited, especially in Arteta’s style of play where he looks to bounce off the furthest forward attacker, as well as looking for a emphatic header on the end of the cross. Here are 5 strikers that could replace Lacazette in the red number 9 shirt.

Number 1 – Patrick Bamford

Bamford has held his own this season – despite multiple pundits doubting if his abilities would fair in the Premier League, he has managed to bag 11 goals and 6 assists in 21 games (1.4 G/A per game). Standing at around 6’1 (1.85m), Bamford offers much more of a physical threat to the Arsenal attack, due to an extra 4 inches of height allowing him to get on the end of crosses more frequently so than Lacazette. He also maintains enough versatility to be able to break the lines and score in other ways, whether with the ball at is feet or in behind the defence.

With his contract expiring at the end of June in 2022, a £15m price tag is an absolute bargain for such a prolific striker. Due to his recent spike in form, Leeds are likely to ask for somewhere around £30m - £40m.

Number 2 – Odsonne Edouard

I have discussed the signing of Edouard before (5 Possible Signings in the January Transfer Windows), but he is still such a promising talent. With 16 G/A (12 goals and 4 assists) in 19 games, Edouard has been clinical for Celtic in the SPL. To prove his worth against more worthy competition, he tallies 2 goals in 4 matches (Europa League) and 1 goal in 1 match (UCL qualifiers) this season. Clocking in at just over 6’1, the striker possesses much more physical presence than Lacazette does. His main quality being his physicality, he can easily get on the end of multiple crosses, use his body to retain possession, muscle his way through defences – he finds ways to score goals.

With his contract expiring next year, a £15m evaluation seems unfair – if it came down to me, I would price Edouard at around £30 - £40m. For a player with his capabilities, it would be extremely worth it.

Number 3 – Youssef En-Nesyri

En-Nesyri is not as well known as some of the other options on this list, however, his credentials make up for it. The 6’2 target man has found the net 13 times in 21 games. The Moroccon boasts terrific physicality and finishing ability when the ball is both in the air or at his feet, to an extent which Lacazette cannot. With a recent La Liga Player of the Month award, En-Nesyri could be a terrific pick up to bolster the Arsenal attack.

With a £15m market value, En-Nesyri appears to be an absolute bargain. However, having signed a new contract last year that expires in 2025, it could be difficult to sign the talisman.

Number 4 – Luka Jovic

Luka Jovic had a disappointing spell at Real Madrid, however, his recent loan at Eintracht Frankfurt has seen him score 3 goals in 5 matches. Jovic stands at 6’0 tall, again posing more of a physical threat in the box than Lacazette. Whilst not as versatile with the ball at is feet than Lacazette, a fresh start in the Premier League could see him develop and excel as an Arsenal target man.

With his loan at Frankfurt ending at the end of June, as well as his Real Madrid contract expiring in 2025, Jovic is currently placed at £20m. Given the amount spent on him, it is unlikely that Real will release him for so little, making his price tag unpredictable.

Number 5 – Moussa Dembele

In all honesty, the Frenchman hasn’t had the best season. After a dry spell in the Ligue 1 with Lyon (1 goal in 16 matches), he was loaned out to Atletico de Madrid, where he has not yet played. Despite all of this, Dembele has evident raw talent. Standing just over 6’0, he poses terrific versatility in the air and on the ground. He is probably the most similar to Lacazette in this list, however, it would be very interesting to see how he would develop in the Premier League.

June 2023 is when his contract expires. As it stands his current value is at £30m, which is accurate and possibly slightly expensive.

Who do you think is the best possible replacement for Alexandre Lacazette?