Arsenal set to rival Liverpool in race for Ligue 1 goal-machine

One of the more open secrets currently being kept by football watchers is that Arsenal will buy a striker this summer, and while many believe the Gunners covet Real Madrid starlet Alvaro Morata above all others, a new name is currently being bandied around by zealous rumour writers.

Arsene Wenger and co have little more than the FA Cup to look forward to for the rest of this campaign, with a top-four finish seemingly secure at 1/12 odds despite their title challenge flailing to the extent that Ladbrokes now go 20/1 about them winning the Premier League for the first time in a decade.

Arsenal’s veteran French coach must rue his failure to secure the services of a striker to back-up/compliment/replace Olivier Giroud, but after Wenger showed intent in July when cheekily attempting to prise Luis Suarez from Liverpool’s clutches, the Emirates faithful will be hoping the man they say ‘knows’ does a better job a year on.

Newcastle loan-signing Loic Remy – who is still owned by Championship side QPR – has been repeatedly mentioned with regard to a summer move to north London.

Schalke youngster Julian Draxler – who currently operates as a wide midfielder but is seen by many as a centre-forward in waiting – is also thought to be amongst the top targets on Wenger’s list, while Real Madrid youngster Alvaro Morata has been linked with Arsenal and local rivals Spurs since August.

A fresh name doing the rounds regarding a move to the Gunners is Lyon’s twice-capped France forward Alexandre Lacazette, who’s currently having his best season by far for Les Gones with 13 goals in 23 Ligue 1 appearances.

The 22-year-old’s best all-competitions tally prior to this campaign was 10 strikes during 2011/12, which suggests Arsenal would be buying a progressive goal-getter who also contributes a fair share of assists, as three of his key passes have been converted into Ligue 1 strikes this term.

Liverpool and Spurs have also been linked with the Stade de Gerland youth product, who refused to rule out a summer move away from Lyon when asked recently.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.

Fancy a flutter? Sign up today to claim up to £50 in free bets.