Kevin Campbell has urged Mikel Arteta to sell Alexandre Lacazette in the summer and upgrade to Celtic’s Edsonne Edouard.
The Frenchman has blown hot and cold this season, scoring in the first three Premier League games before going on a drought. He’s returned to form recently and has scored five goals in his last seven appearances.
Speaking to Football Insider, the former Highbury ace reckons Arteta should still get rid of the Frenchman and that Edouard would be an asset.
Campbell said: “Lacazette still has life in him, do not get me wrong, but Edouard is a lot younger. Obviously, if that was to happen, you are bringing an asset into the football club. Edouard is very good with his back to goal which is a big advantage. He can be a link man.”
“The resale value for Lacazette is not huge and the last chance to sell him for decent money could be this summer. There has to be a ruthless streak now. Arteta has to move and shake as he sees fit – nobody is safe.” (via Football Insider)
Should Arsenal buy Odsonne Edouard?
Yes
No
It’s hard to disagree with the former Gunners man especially when analysing Lacazette’s career with the club. During the course of his three-and-a-half years with Arsenal, the former Lyon man has been underwhelming for large spells.
The statistic which best highlights Lacazette’s inconsistent tenure at the club is the number of goals scored compared to Olivier Giroud. In 150 games, he’s scored 57 goals and assisted a further 26 with the Chelsea man having contributed 146 goals in 253 games for the club.
When initially bought as an upgrade on Giroud, you’d expect far more from Lacazette than similar stats to the 34-year-old, who was constantly berated for being inconsistent himself.
Meanwhile, Edouard could be the ideal replacement with his goalscoring feat in Scotland nothing short of sensational. 107 goal contributions in 151 games at 22-years-old suggests the France youth international deserves a chance at a bigger club.
Lacazette is reaching the tail-end of his career and given how inconsistent he’s been, there would be no shock to see he move on in the summer.
In other news, the loss to Southampton has brought up a stark reminder for Mikel Arteta.
