English Premier League kicks off with thrilling action: Weekend 1 overview
With new players, coaches and newly appointed captains from respective clubs, let’s analyse the matches that happened this opening English Premier League weekend.
English Premier League side Arsenal have signed Lyon striker Alexandre Lacazette for an undisclosed fee, the club announced.
"Alexandre Lacazette has agreed to join us on a long-term contract, for an undisclosed fee. He is expected to travel with the tour party to Sydney this weekend and is likely to make his home debut in the Emirates Cup on July 29 or July 30," the club said in a statement.
Lyon were said to be in discussions with Arsenal for a while over their prized asset, who is rumoured to have cost the Gunners a hefty sum of £46.5 million, thereby becoming the most expensive signing in the club's history.
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German midfielder Mesut Ozil held that position by virtue of his £40 million (reported) transfer from Real Madrid in 2013.
“We are very happy to have Alexandre join our group. He has shown over a number of years that he can score goals and that he is a very efficient finisher. As well, he has very interesting technical qualities and a strong character. So he is a guy who is a great addition for us, and someone who will help us challenge at the top level this season,” Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger said.
Lacazette, 26, spent eight seasons at Ligue 1 side Lyon and scored over a 100 goals for the French side in less than 300 appearances but he struck fear into the hearts of Ligue 1 defences not just for his finishing ability, but his sensational pace and dribbling skills as well.
His arrival, however, casts doubts over fellow Frenchman Olivier Giroud’s future, as it is unlikely that Wenger will employ a two-striker system in the coming season.
Lacazette is the second signing of the summer for Arsenal after they acquired the services of Bosnian defender Sead Kolasinac in June as the club looks to improve on a poor 2016-17 season in which they finished fifth in the Premier League.
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