Arsenal confirm Alexandre Lacazette pre-season debut and shirt number
Arsenal fans hoping for a glimpse of their new £52million striker Alexandre Lacazette will not have to wait long.
Arsene Wenger has confirmed that the former Lyon star will make his debut for the Gunners during their pre-season tour of Australia, with the France international set to feature against Sydney FC on Thursday.
Fellow summer arrival Sead Kolasinac - who signed on a free transfer from Schalke - is also due to make his mark for Arsenal in the coming days,
Lacazette will wear the No.9 shirt for the Gunners - last worn by Lukas Podolski - with Kolasinac already designated the No.31 jersey.
We've confirmed @LacazetteAlex's squad number...
You'll find it here 👉 https://t.co/5SkaUcofDu pic.twitter.com/Z5ileWj9Dl— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) July 11, 2017
Wenger said of the pair: "Lacazette will make his debut here [in Sydney], yes.
"On Thursday night he will certainly play a part in the game and in the other game as well. In the two games he will take part.
“We play football based on movement, technical qualities and mobility, and I believe that both of the new signings can integrate well into the team.
"One is a defender who can play on the flank and centrally, and one is a striker with a very good goalscoring record, so I believe that they are great additions to the team.
"It’s a good opportunity as well to have a first look at how well and how quickly they will integrate with the way we want to play."