Arsenal could sell Alexandre Lacazette, Alan Smith claims

Former Arsenal forward Alan Smith believes Arsenal could be tempted to offload Alexandre Lacazette during the summer, should he fail to impress during the remainder of the campaign.

The France international made a stupendous start to his Gunners career as he scored on his league debut against Leicester City, but he has since struggled to find the scoresheet with just a further eight netted in 28 appearances.

As a result, Lacazette has come for criticism of late, and Smith feels his former club could consider sanctioning his departure at the end of the season, he told Goal.com: "If he doesn't come good. He may not be the player that Arsenal thought he was. 

"He started off well but you can look like a world beater in France and just not make the grade in England. Arsenal have a few other players to show that. They may even have to offload him if he doesn't come good."

Lacazette underwent a knee surgery shortly after the north London derby defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, but he is expected to return to first-team action after the international break.

Arsenal still have a realistic chance of claiming silverware via the Europa League, and Lacazette can expect to lead the line, given Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is ineligible to participate in the competition.