Arsenal given £67m incentive to complete deal after Liverpool and Man City abandon striker plan

There is an ambition of Arsenal to reach the title-challenging levels of Manchester City and Liverpool and in addition to strong coaching, the transfer market will play a big role. The Gunners will need to upgrade their squad to compete with the league’s best.

The defeats at the Emirates against Liverpool and City stung but there was evidence that the gap between the clubs is lessening. With Arsenal favourites to finish in the top four this season, Mikel Arteta has the opportunity to break into the elite market again.

The striker position continues to dominate the focus of discussions surrounding summer purchases. Alexandre Lacazette’s deal will expire this June unless the club renews, however, even should the Frenchman stay on, the thinness of the depth in the position should prompt Arsenal into a big move.

Emmanuel Petit gives his verdict on Alexandre Lacazette’s contract and who Arsenal should target

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Perhaps mirroring the style of City and Liverpool could help the Gunners close the gap? Both clubs operate without an orthodox striker.

Pep Guardiola has Gabriel Jesus at his disposal, but the Brazilian has operated in wider roles more so than centrally. Phil Foden, Jack Grealish and Kevin De Bruyne have all played in the central forward position. Similar to Spain’s use of Cesc Fabregas in Euro 2012.

Liverpool meanwhile have a plethora of wide options but all of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Diogo Jota have played in the middle. Roberto Firmino is more of an enabler than an out-and-out typical number nine.

Arteta in fairness has used Alexandre Lacazette in a similar serviceable role too. Links to players like Joao Felix