Top manager compares new Arsenal signing to Ian Wright
Former Liverpool and Lyon manager Gerard Houllier likens Alexandre Lacazette to Arsenal legend Ian Wright
Gerard Houllier has likened new Arsenal signing Alexandre Lacazette to Gunners legend Ian Wright.
The north London side completed a club-record deal to sign the France international from Ligue 1 outfit Lyon after weeks of speculation linking the 26-year-old with a switch to The Emirates.
Arsenal are reported to have paid £52m to sign the prolific Ligue 1 striker in the summer transfer window as Wenger bolstered his attacking options ahead of the 2017-18 Premier League campaign.
Lacazette scored 28 times in 30 appearances in Ligue 1 last season to underline his status as one of Europe’s most-prolific goal-scorers.
Indeed, the talented Lyon striker has scored 100 times in 203 games since breaking into the French side’s starting line-up six seasons ago.
Former Liverpool and Lyon manager Houllier has issued his backing for Arsene Wenger’s decision to sign Lacazette in a club-record deal this summer.
“He is very mobile, very quick, good in short spaces, has good skill and he scores goals,” Houllier told talkSPORT.
“He was the top scorer in France in 2014-15, the best player in the league in 2015 and has been the best French scorer over the last three seasons.
“He scores more than 25 goals every season. One thing he will bring to Arsenal is goals. His main asset is to score goals.
“He has good technique, is good at using short spaces and is a hard-working player. He can attack, he can defend quickly. I’m not surprised Arsene fancied him.
“He will fit in their game. He will suit their passing game, the way they build up, their approach. He is very good near the box.
“He is a bit like Ian Wright really. You don’t seem to see him and then suddenly he moves.”
Lacazette netted 37 times in 43 games in all competitions last term as Lyon reached the Europa League semi-finals before a dramatic loss to Dutch giants Ajax in the last four.
Arsenal finished in fifth place to miss out on a place in the Champions League next term, although the Gunners were 2-1 winners against Premier League champions Chelsea in the FA Cup final at Wembley.
