Arsenal\u2019s signing of Alexandre Lacazette was announced on Wednesday evening. It has brought the end to one of Europe\u2019s longest, most persistent transfer rumours. Along with the tedious Karim Benzema murmurings, Lacazette has been linked with a move to north London since he shot to prominence with 15 Ligue 1 goals in 2013\/14.<\/p>\n
The Lyon striker has been one of the continent\u2019s most prolific, reliable goal scorers since that season. His finishing has been relentless, even in a period of relative indifference for Lyon after their Ligue 1 dominance in the first decade of this millennium.<\/p>\n
There\u2019s a lot to like about this deal for the Gunners. The price is \u2013 in a market where Alvaro Morata and Romelu Lukaku will cost around \u00a370 million \u2013 not too grotesque, and Lacazette brings seasons of goal scoring pedigree with him. The timing of the signing is significant too. While Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham have made two major acquisitions between them, Arsenal have completed their marquee summer signing even before they set off for their pre-season tour.<\/p>\n
Next up for the shirt-holding, over-the- top Twitter announcement is expected to be Riyad Mahrez as Dale O\u2019Donnell reported. Mahrez\u2019s future is certain to be away from Leicester City, but the Algerian\u2019s inconsistent, underwhelming 2016\/17 campaign with the Foxes has seen the market for him becalm.<\/p>\n
Mahrez\u2019s talent is unquestionable, even if his application and decision making was hazy at times last season. Given the freedom to play \u2013 as Arsene Wenger would certainly give him \u2013 Mahrez could quickly send reminding shockwaves across Europe of just how good he was during Leicester\u2019s remarkable title victory. His dancing feet, sharp left-footed shooting and under-valued passing would fit superbly into Arsenal\u2019s current style.<\/p>\n
The concern will remain, however, that Mahrez\u2019s heroics in 2015\/16 were the exception to the rule. Pressure would be greater on Mahrez, perhaps, than on Lacazette as a result. The Algerian will be under the burden of proof to show he belongs at the top, with others questioning whether he will follow in the footsteps of many a talent into a career of disappointment.<\/p>\n
Joining Lacazette on pre-season tour will be their other summer signing to date, Sead Kolasinac. The left-back can cover at centre-back and enjoyed a superb 2016\/17 campaign with Schalke.<\/p>\n
With Mahrez expected, Lacazette completed and Kolasinac\u2019s arrival almost a distant memory, it is expected that Arsenal\u2019s summer business is wrapped up. Wenger had said before the window begun that the club would be adding three players to the squad this summer and it would be substantially un-Arsenal to alter that plan at this stage.<\/p>\n
Kolasinac addresses a position that was a weakness for the Gunners last season, as Nacho Monreal regressed and Kieran Gibbs\u2019 inconsistences look to have him consigned to a move away from the Emirates in this window.<\/p>\n
Arsenal\u2019s summer business must always be qualified on the \u2018if Alexis Sanchez stays\u2019 clause. Without Sanchez, this summer is passable. With Sanchez, this summer gives Arsenal a squad capable of returning to where the fans feel they belong: title contention.<\/p>\n