Is Alexandre Lacazette The Best Striker For Arsenal?

As the transfer window continues to progress, one thing is becoming clear: Arsene Wenger wants to buy French. There are two leading contenders to be Arsenal’s star signing this summer, with a clear front-runner in terms of natural talent. Both Alexandre Lacazette and Kylian Mbappe have their respective strengths and weaknesses. They are both lethal goalscorers, they are both extremely fast and athletic.

They are both intelligent in their movement. But Arsenal will likely only sign one, and while Mbappe is the far more talented player of the two, per recent reports, it is Lacazette that is the more likely addition.

While that may be disappointing, here is a reason why, if the Gunners do sign Lacazette, he can make up for the resultant loss of Mbappe.

In terms of natural ability, Mbappe is clearly the better player of the two. His touch is more confident and composed, he is a sharper, more technical dribbler and he has the nous and guile to work even when the team’s attacking play gets tight and intricate. Lacazette cannot replicate the same qualities on a consistent basis as Mbappe can.

However, we have seen numerous players with the same talent as Mbappe sign for big money early on in their careers, only to stumble because of mental or attitude-based shortcomings. Now, I am not saying that Mbappe will fail because he lacks the mentality to succeed. Simply, we don’t know. The younger signings get, the less guaranteed their success will be. Remember Francis Jeffers?

Lacazette, on the other hand, is 26. He has plied his trade, hones his craft. He has developed his talents, sharpened his abilities, such that he now has the experience and the know-how to deal with the intense pressure that he will be under after such a significant move. The same cannot be said for Mbappe. While the reward may be higher, so is the risk.