EXCLUSIVE
Former Arsenal goalkeeper David Seaman believes the physical nature of the Premier League could see new Gunners signing Alexandre Lacazette initially struggle to adapt to life in England, but has backed the France international to be an overall success at the Emirates.
The Gunners signed the prolific attacker for a club-record fee of £53 million from Lyon earlier this month.
Lacazette's stunning goalscoring record over the last four years has seen him blossom into one of the most sought after forwards in Europe, with the 26-year-old coming off the back of a career-best 28 goals in Ligue 1.
The substantial transfer fee forked out by the Gunners to secure his services brings with it additional pressure, though the France international went some way to ease concerns with a goal on his debut against Sydney FC, and another on his first start at the Emirates against Sevilla on Sunday.
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And while Gunners legend Seaman is encouraged by the striker's arrival, the former goalkeeper has warned it may take Lacazette time to adjust to the demands of the English top tier.
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"It will be difficult for him to get used to the Premier League," Seaman told Goal.
"A lot of new signings find it difficult to settle because they don’t realise how fast and how physical it is, and how fast the games come round.
"Sometimes you’re playing two or three times a week. He will get used to it – from what I’ve seen he does look quality.
"People said he reminds them of Ian Wright, but he has to score a few more goals to remind me of him!"
Lacazette scored 37 goals in 43 appearances for boyhood club Lyon across all competitions last season, including 28 from 30 outings in the French top flight.
Having helped Arsenal retain the Emirates Cup over the weekend, Lacazette is set to make his official club debut against Chelsea in the Community Shield on Saturday, August 6.
David Seaman is the Brand Ambassador and leads the judging panel for SpottoCash, a spot-the-ball competition for the digital generation. Visit spottocash.com for details.
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