Alexandre Lacazette will become the latest in a long line of Arsenal's French players, but the Gunners do not lead the way when it comes to having fielded the most players from France in the Premier League.
The 26-year-old signing from Lyon is set to become the 26th Frenchman to play for Arsenal. All of them have featured since their fellow countryman, Arsene Wenger, became manager in 1996.
Arsenal, however, are behind Newcastle United when it comes to playing the most Frenchmen.
Newcastle have used 26 players from France in the PL and, future transfers pending, are likely to stay in front of Arsenal when they make their return to the top flight, with Florian Lejeune having been brought in.
Frenchmen in the Premier League
| Club | French players | Club | French goals | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newcastle | 26 | Arsenal | 486 | |
| Arsenal | 25 | Man Utd | 130 | |
| Sunderland | 18 | Newcastle | 125 | |
| Bolton | 15 | Chelsea | 91 | |
| Chelsea | 14 | Fulham | 81 | |
| Liverpool | 14 | Man City | 80 | |
| West Ham | 14 | Bolton | 48 |
Nonetheless, the signing of Lacazette will likely extend Arsenal’s lead for the total goals scored by Frenchmen, 486.
Thierry Henry has contributed 175 of those, and the new man will be keen to follow in the Arsenal legend’s footsteps.
"Throughout my childhood, thanks to Thierry Henry and other French players, I always dreamed of playing for this club, so that dream has been fulfilled," Lacazette told arsenal.com.
