Arsenal round-up: Gunners handed Lacazette boost; Sanchez and Ozil want reassurances; Wenger must change

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Arsenal have been given a boost in their pursuit of Alexandre Lacazette after Atletico Madrid’s transfer ban was upheld, according to the Mirror. The Spanish club were believed to be the frontrunners to sign the French striker, but they will no longer be a viable destination and that opens up the possibility for the Gunners to make their move. Although the Lyon player could still sign for Atletico, he would have to wait until January until he could feature and that would not be beneficial in a World Cup year.

It is important that Arsenal bring in quality this summer to help them get back into the top four of the Premier League and challenge for the title. Lacazette would be a great signing and provide goals to the team’s attack. He offers a different profile to the strikers already at the club, as he has the dynamism to beat opposition defenders. At 26 years old, the Frenchman is ready to test himself in a better league after scoring 28 league goals in the most recent season. The Gunners need to do everything that they can to land the striker, as he has the quality to contribute immediately.

The London Evening Standard are reporting that Arsenal’s summer transfer plans will have an effect on the futures of Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil. They are waiting to seek assurances regarding the quality of players arriving at the club before they commit to new contracts. The report goes onto say that the two players had discussions with Wenger towards the end of the about possible targets and they are waiting to see the club’s recruitment strategy in action. In addition to their concerns about recruitment, both players have raised their wage demands.

It is understandable that Sanchez and Ozil will want to know the future direction of the club before signing new contracts. Although it is concerning that these two players have a raising amount of power, they are also the best players at the club and Arsenal need to do what is required to keep them happy. During the next few weeks, it should become clear whether Sanchez and Ozil will stay at the club.

This summer is going to be huge for Arsenal and their future direction as a club. Alan Smith has told Sky Sports that the club’s hope of attracting top players and winning the Premier League rest on Arsene Wenger changing his ways.

“I just hope Arsene can reinvent himself in terms of getting better performances out of his team in the big games, being more organised without the ball and not being so open. I hope he can do that or otherwise it will be the ‘same old, same old”

“I hope the board insisted on that before allowing him to sign a new contract and insisted on him changing his methods.”

During the final weeks of the season, Wenger showed that he could change his methods, as he switched to a 3-4-2-1. If he remains adaptable with his tactics and embraces new ways of doing things, he could take the club forward, but there will be doubts until he proves he is willing to do so. This summer and the opening few weeks of next season will show us whether this new contract was a good idea or not.

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