According to latest reports, Arsenal are likely to face a stiff competition from La Liga side Atletico Madrid for their long-term target Alexandre Lacazette. With Manchester United coming closer than ever in their pursuit of Antoine Griezmann, the Rojo Blancos have recognised the Ligue 1 forward as the perfect replacement.
The North London club, however, have been arguably scouting the AS Lyon forward for the longest time now and wouldn’t let the opportunity slip through their hands now that the French side are open to selling the player. Their need for a good striker is further compounded by Alexis Sanchez’s possibility of leaving the club at the end of the season.
Arsenal went into the international break on the back of a frustrating loss against West Bromwich Albion, which has pulled the Gunners down to the sixth position in the league table with a chance of missing out on the Champions League spot. It has led their manager to come under huge criticism and possibly a change at the helm is coming soon.
And with the club’s managerial seat in darkness, big players have stalled their contract talks as of now. The maddening controversy will resume once again this week as Arsenal host Manchester City coming Sunday. With no more breaks in between, this run will more or less determine Arsenal’s European fate next season, which will play a significant factor in retaining their star players.
Lacazette’s buy isn’t really seen as a direct replacement for Sanchez as the Gunners have wanted to bring him in even when Sanchez’s future was more or less secure at Arsenal. The 25-year-old French international has been in prolific form this season bagging 23 goals in 24 Ligue 1 appearances so far.
His goal scoring ability has earned him attention from numerous top clubs across Europe and they are on red alert with Lyon revealing that they have plans for some ‘significant sales‘ this summer. Among his prime suitors are Arsenal and Atletico Madrid now. Diego Simeone has concerns of his other striker, Gameiro, leaving for the Far East next summer. Hence, they will leave no stones unturned to land the player.
A centre-forward by nature, Lacazette can also play on the wings and it is this versatility that has impressed Arsene Wenger. Quite similar to Sanchez, Lacazette relies hugely on his work rate on and off the ball and has the ability of immaculate finishing. Whether Arsenal sell Sanchez or not, Lacazette can solve Arsenal’s goal scoring crisis in big games to a huge extent.
