Arsenal have made a statement by signing Alexandre Lacazette from Lyon, according to ex-Gunners star Charlie Nicholas.

With the contract future of current Arsenal stars Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil up in the air, and some fans critical of the current regime, Nicholas is hopeful the arrival of Lacazette shows that Arsenal are serious about mounting a title challenge next season.

"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," Nicholas told Sky Sports.

"It is a big statement of intent from Arsenal."

However, Nicholas didn't go as far as to say Sanchez would be persuaded to re-sign because of the signing of Lacazette.

"I genuinely don't think so," said Nicholas. "I think Sanchez is completely and utterly his own man. We have seen that with his actions last season.

"He is a winner, a warrior, a fighter, a player we all truly admire and we'd love to keep him but if his heart is on trying to get the same wages as people like Messi and Ronaldo, it's not going to materialise."