Although a lot of the transfer talk in recent weeks has surrounded Dutch football’s goalscoring sensation, Memphis Depay, there is another player doing his thing on a top European league who may well be worth more attention. Alexandre Lacazette is currently Ligue 1’s top marksman, with his 26 goals in 30 games having kept Lyon in the title race, despite the vast financial disparity between themselves and big rivals Paris Saint-Germain.

Arsenal appear to be taking notice, according to reports, of the forward’s performances, with Arsene Wenger ready to make his move when the transfer window re-opens. He could be the Gunners’ marquee summer man, and here are FIVE reasons why we think they need the French star…

[interaction ]

Goals, goals, goals

26 goals in 30 Ligue 1 games, that’s some going! Lacazette has been nothing short of prolific this season, building on the form he demonstrated at the back end of the 2013/14 campaign to justify his billing as one of European football’s best attacking talents. As the above video shows, he can score all types of goals, with his blistering pace matched by solid movement and positioning, while he’s capable with his right foot, left foot and head.

Able back-up for Giroud…

Giroud

Danny Welbeck hasn’t been quite the success story Gunners fans hoped for, leaving Olivier Giroud a little short of cover. When the Frenchman was out of action with injury, Alexis Sanchez was often shoved ‘up top’ and last season showed that the ex-Montpellier man struggles to maintain his form over the entirety of a season.

Lacazette could therefore offer a good option to rotate in and out, which could be of benefit for Wenger as he plots that elusive sustained title challenge.

Possible partner for Giroud

https://vine.co/v/OlJwdXKengM/embed/simple

Although Wenger is known prefer a single man up front in a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 set-up, having Lacazette working in tandem with Giroud could produce an all-French goalscoring machine. Liverpool showed last term that having two top class forwards together can gloss over other areas of inferiority in an XI, and after all, goals win games.

Can also play from wide

Lacazette

He may have made his name as a striker this term, but Lacazette can also play from a wide role. He spent many of his formative years operating from the flanks thanks to his pace, and although it rather reduces his threat, having goals across the XI may be of use to Wenger. Lacazette could also be used as a ‘inside forward’, allowing him to drift in, which could be handy when full-backs are used to get forward and provide width.

Keep him away from a rival, such as Liverpool

Lacazette

As well as Arsenal, Liverpool are said to be keen on the 23-year-old. Despite the Reds’ woes in the early half of the season, they are seen as competitors for the Gunners and should both sides avoid poor runs, they’re likely to be in contention for the top four or even the title next season. So, letting Lacazette become a Red and not a Gunner this summer could have consequences next term…