Former Arsenal star, Robert Pires has spoken out about Arsenal’s big summer signing.
Robert Pires has been open in playing down the expectations of Arsenal fans on the club’s record-breaking signing, Alexandre Lacazette. Pires was speaking to SkySports when he suggested that playing in France is not the same as playing in the Premier League.
It will serve as a warning for both the player and the Gunners fanbase ahead of the France international’s first campaign in London.
“He is a good striker who has scored a lot of goals with Lyon,” Pires told SkySports. “Of course, it will be very difficult in the beginning because when you play in France and move to England it is not the same, it is very aggressive.”
However, Pires did comment that: “I think he will be a success.”
Pires’ comments reflect his own experiences of when he joined Arsenal. “To find the rhythm and the tempo, for me it took six or seven months.”
Lacazette rues a missed opportunity playing during Bayern Munich vs Arsenal – International Champions Cup
Pires knows well enough though that Arsene Wenger can’t wait for six months for Lacazette to become accustomed with the fast pace and frenzied atmosphere of playing in the Premier League. Lacazette must be as effective on away days at Turf Moor as he’ll hope to be in a big London derby against Tottenham Hotspur.
Arsenal have the advantage in being experienced at integrating top international players and with Arsene Wenger remaining at the club for the next two years, as reported by the Guardian, Lacazette should be confident that he will receive the guidance he needs to cope with the demands of the English top division.
Wenger has already stressed that a great weight has been taken off the strikers shoulders when he scored on debut in a friendly against Sydney FC. But the pressure will be on Lacazette every day he runs out in an Arsenal shirt.
Lyon’s Alexandre Lacazette celebrates scoring
Arsenal fans are already forming opinions of Lacazette, after his shocking first touch was analysed during Arsenal’s 3-0 defeat to Chelsea at the weekend, as reported by the Daily Star.
Pires might call for patience, but goals are the only way that Lacazette will put smiles on faces at the Emirates stadium.
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