Former Arsenal striker Charlie Nicholas has described the Gunners' recruitment of Alexandre Lacazette as "a big statement of intent".

The Premier League club announced the Frenchman's arrival on Wednesday after agreeing a deal with Lyon thought to be a club-record fee of £52m.

"He is at a prime age now to look to hit the ground running at Arsenal," Nicholas told Sky Sports News. "They should have tried to get him three years ago.

"Arsenal needed a guy who's intelligent, his movement is good, he's got good speed and he doesn't always have to go and be an old-fashioned number nine... I really do think he is a perfect fit.

"The statement is to say to [Alexis] Sanchez and others we are serious to get back challenging for the title and we are serious about getting back into the Champions League again. It is a big statement of intent from Arsenal."

Lacazette, who scored 37 goals in 45 appearances in all competitions for the French giants last season, has penned what has been described as a long-term deal at the Emirates.