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Former Arsenal midfielder Alexandre Hleb believes new signing Alexandre Lacazette is no better than Olivier Giroud.
Arsenal smashed their club-record transfer fee to sign Lacazette for £46.5 this summer. The Frenchman who arrived from Lyon has netted four goals so far, including a brace against West Brom on Monday.
The man who hit 37 goals for Lyon last season has restricted Giroud to domestic cup and Europa League competition.
However, the longtime Arsenal man regularly keeps his compatriot out of the Frenchman national side. And Hleb, who played under Arsene Wenger from 2005-2008 believes the two are equals:
“Arsenal would have wanted to sign more players but it’s too difficult to compete with the likes of Manchester City and PSG,” said Hleb to the Independent.
Giroud is stuck on 99 goals for Arsenal.
“The signings that did come through are good, like Alexandre Lacazette, but I can’t say that’s a ‘fantastic’ signing. I am a fan of Giroud and I don’t think Lacazette is better than him. I think the two are on the same level.”
Giroud is one shy off 100 goals for Arsenal. The 31 year-old is expected to start for the Gunners’ Europa League tie at BATE Borisov where he will be desperate to reach the milestone.
Gooners, what did you make of Hleb’s comments? Is Lacazette no better than Olivier Giroud? Let us know in the comments…
