Alexander Hleb: Alexandre Lacazette is on the same level as Olivier Giroud

Former Gunner Alexander Hleb believes Alexandre Lacazette is no better than Olivier Giroud despite the recent hype over the former's arrival.

Lacazette, 26, joined the Gunners for a club-record £46.5m fee over the summer, and he has since bagged four goals in six Premier League games.

Despite the promise, Hleb admits that he is a huge admirer of Giroud's talents, and would place Lacazette in the same bracket as his French compatriot.

He told The Independent: "Arsenal would have wanted to sign more players but it’s too difficult to compete with the likes of Manchester City and PSG.

“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."

Arsenal could not find a potential replacement for contract rebel Alexis Sanchez during the summer transfer window, but Hleb feels there is the possibility of extending the Chilean's stay beyond next summer.

He added: "I think he [Sanchez] will wait until the winter, see how the team are playing and maybe sign a new contract. Performances like the one against Chelsea are encouraging."

Arsene Wenger's side are playing against Hleb's former club BATE Borisov tonight, and a win over the Belarusian champions would keep them atop of their Europa League group.

Arsenal have remained unbeaten in their three league outings this month, and they will be hoping to go into the international break with a positive result against Brighton and Hove Albion this weekend.