Theo Walcott sees Jermain Defoe in Alexandre Lacazette

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Published: 16:41 EDT, 8 July 2017 | Updated: 16:41 EDT, 8 July 2017

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Arsenal winger Theo Walcott has compared his club's record £52 million signing Alexandre Lacazette to 'fox-in-the-box' Jermain Defoe.

The Gunners long-serving wide-man made the comparison because of Lacazette's deadly finishing for his former Lyon side - where the hit-man struck 28 goals in 30 Ligue 1 appearances last term.

The 26-year-old was targeted by manager Arsene Wenger for his pace and deadly accuracy in front of goal - and Walcott can't wait for his new team-mate to continue the form that made him one of Europe's most sought-after prospects.

Alexandre Lacazette has been compared to Jermain Defoe for his finishing ability in the box

Arsenal wide-man Theo Walcott has been full of praise for his new team-mate Lacazette

Speaking to Arsenal Player Walcott said: 'The French league is very physical league but he looks like he’s in good nick.

'He reminds me a bit of Jermain Defoe in that he sees the target, shoots and scores.

'That’s what I’ve seen of him in little clips, so hopefully he can bring those attributes to the team. There’s loads of competition for places which is healthy as always, but we’re looking strong.'

Lacazette has been prolific for Lyon in Ligue 1 netting 100 league goals in 203 appearances

With the club failing to win the Premier League since their 'Invincible' season in 2004 Wenger's men will be looking to get off to a good start against Leicester City on Friday, August 11 - and Lacazette will be key to that.

Prior to that the North Londoners are set to play two games in three days on their pre-season tour of Australia, facing Sydney FC on Thursday and Western Sydney Wanderers on Saturday - with both games to take place at the 83,000-capacity ANZ Stadium.

But Walcott is already looking forward to the 2017-18 season and playing in the same team as Lacazette, saying: 'Pace in the Premier League is the most important thing for me.

Lacazette has pace and power and Walcott hopes these attributes will fire Arsenal to success

'It’s hard because a lot of teams drop back, sit back against us and it’s tight because there’s not a lot of space in behind.

'You have to find different ways of breaking them down but that’s why you’ve got all these clever players like Mesut Ozil to get through them differently. Pace is always a threat. When you’re counter-attacking, it wins all the time. As long as we’ve got pace in this team, we’re going to be OK.'