Arsenal have completed the signing of France striker Alexandre Lacazette from Lyon.
Here’s a look at five things about the 26-year-old.
Lacazette has been monitored by Arsenal’s French scout Gilles Grimandi for 10 years, according to journalist Julien Laurens.
Arsene Wenger has played a waiting game and now decided to go for it.
Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud was selected in Les Bleus’ squad for Euro 2016. Lacazette was not. Giroud scored three times in six games en route to the final, where the hosts were beaten 1-0 by Portugal.
Lacazette has now established himself in the squad, but is still seeking a second goal after 11 caps.
Lacazette has scored more than 20 goals in Ligue 1 for the last four seasons. He is the first French player to do that since Jean-Pierre Papin achieved the feat for Marseille 25 years ago.
That is because French goalscorers are regularly snapped up by Europe’s top clubs in other leagues.
He scored four goals in 10 appearances for France Under-19s and was a European age-group champion in 2010.
Lacazette then scored nine times in 12 appearances for Les Bleus’ under-20s.
When his thunderous strike secured a draw for Lyon against Roma in a Europa League last-16 first leg, Lacazette celebrated by standing still, with a steely stare.
He insisted it had not been ‘en hommage’ to Cantona, but Gunners fans will hope he can emulate Eric.
Provided by Press Association
