Charlie Nicholas believes that new signing Alexandre Lacazette will be a “perfect fit” at Arsenal.

  • Nicholas says Arsenal should have signed him three years ago
  • He believes signing is a big statement of intent
  • He said Lacazette will want to prove himself on a bigger stage

The Sky Sports pundit, who’s usually much kinder to Arsenal than many other pundits, has said that Arsenal have made a real statement of intent.

Lacazette completed his move to Arsenal yesterday. As the club’s record signing and one of the most expensive players in Premier League history, it shows that Arsene Wenger isn’t messing around.

Nicholas is confident that Lacazette can make an instant impact in the Premier League.

“He is at a prime age now to look to hit the ground running at Arsenal,” Nicholas told Sky Sports News HQ. “They should have tried to get him three years ago.

“Arsenal needed a guy who’s intelligent, his movement is good, he’s got good speed and he doesn’t always have to go and be an old-fashioned number nine.

“He will want to try and improve on his own reputation. I really do think he is a perfect fit.”

He also believes that the signing is a bold one, and will please a lot of fans.

“I do genuinely think they are signing a guy with a pedigree like Ian Wright. He reminds me of a young [Nicholas] Anelka was when he was at Arsenal.

“I am very hopeful that [Mesut] Ozil will sign. The midfield creative side will be fine – he will enjoy that and he should score some guaranteed goals for Arsenal.

“The statement is to say to [Alexis] Sanchez and others we are serious to get back challenging for the title and we are serious about getting back into the Champions League again. It is a big statement of intent from Arsenal.”

He was, however, cautious about the signing’s impact on the situation surrounding Alexis Sanchez. “I think Sanchez is completely and utterly his own man. We have seen that with his actions last season,” Nicholas added.

“If they have to sell him and it would be harsh, painful with only one year remaining but they may have to consider this. Sanchez is in control of the whole situation because the club have been so slow in reacting and sorting this out.

“I have genuinely got bad vibes about Sanchez. It just feels as if he is teasing and tormenting other people to make an offer that Arsenal might have to consider. I hope I am wrong in that.

“I am certainly hopeful that if Lacazette’s signing is an influence it should surely be a positive one.”