Robert Pires doesn’t think Arsenal’s move for Thomas Lemar will happen anymore, so who should the Gunners look to sign instead?
Pires spoke to Bwin earlier this week that the Lemar transfer didn’t seem very likely anymore, explaining: “Arsene tried to buy Lemar, and tried very hard, but I don’t think the move will happen now. I don’t think he’s worth £90m, it’s too much, the market is crazy. What would Zidane and Ronaldinho be worth now!”
The factor that is most likely hindering the move from happening now is a financial one, despite what Ivan Gazidis says. Paying £90m for Lemar made some sense when the Gunners were bringing in £60m for Alexis Sanchez, but now that Alexis money is gone, or at least greatly dimished. Doubling the club record transfer fee is a lot harder to justify at that stage.
So who else could Arsenal look at if Alexis leaves?
4Nabil Fekir…
…is a favourite among some sections of the Arsenal fanbase. He’s stepped into Lacazette’s shoes over the past few months, scoring eight goals in Lyon’s first twelve games playing in behind the striker.
Nabil also has three assists, and is the club captain. He can also play on the wing, making him the ideal replacement for Alexis Sanchez’s goals from wide-forward.
No doubt the 24-year-old would be expensive, but to see him linking up with Lacazette again he could be worth the investment.
3Julian Draxler…
…has to be an option as well, as he always is when it comes to Arsenal transfer rumours.
If Julian isn’t getting game-time when PSG’s best players are fit and firing, he might consider moving somewhere he knows he’ll be first choice before long.
2Emil Forsberg…
…started to register on everyone’s radar with 30 goal contributions in 30 league games last season for RB Leipzig.
Forsberg managed 22 assists in 2016/17, and although he’s dropped to three goals and an assist in 12 matches so far this season, he still brings a lot of creativity and goal threat from the left-hand side.
1Yannick Carrasco…
…is another left-winger who is often among the goals for his team.
Three goals and three assists in seven starts this season is a great return, although he is on a long-term contract and the Gunners might need to get back into the Champions League first.
Although, with Atletico currently third in their group behind AS Roma and Chelsea, they could be joining Arsenal in the Europa League before long anyway.
There are plenty of high quality options out there in Europe, Arsenal just need to be bold and aim for someone of the calibre on this list, rather than settling for a cheaper alternative.
For me, that’s the only way the Gunners won’t end up missing Alexis.