Barcelona are reportedly interested in making a swoop for Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette in the upcoming January transfer window.
According to a report from Fichajes.net, Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette has emerged as a prospective transfer target for La Liga bigwigs Barcelona ahead of the January window.
Lacazette has been with Arsenal since 2017, having signed from Ligue 1 heavyweights Lyon. The 30-year-old striker has been a crucial member of the first team in his four years at the Emirates, racking up a return of 68 goals and 29 assists from 178 matches so far. He was the Gunners’ top goalscorer last season and has netted thrice in eight games this term.
Lacazette, however, is set for an exit from Arsenal soon. The French international has entered the final year of his contract with the Gunners, and a renewal does not seem to be on the agenda, with the striker reportedly having his heart set on a transfer to Atletico Madrid at the end of the season when his deal runs out.
As per the report mentioned above, Barcelona have also entered the picture for his signing, with the Catalans eyeing a move for him in the upcoming January transfer window.
Barcelona have been hit hard with injuries this season. Ousmane Dembele and Ansu Fati have already missed large chunks of the season, although they have returned to action now. But, the Blaugrana will have to make do without summer signing Sergio Aguero for at least the next three months after he was diagnosed with a heart condition last week, for which he is currently being treated.
This leaves Barcelona with Luuk de Jong as the only natural centre-forward in the squad, but the Dutchman is expected to be on his way out in January. So, while Memphis Depay can fill in as a striker, he would be left alone with a lot of burden on his shoulders, something that the Catalans are looking to ease with the signing of another natural No. 9.
Barcelona are considering the option of signing Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang while his teammate Lacazette is also on the radars. The Frenchman could be a more affordable option for the La Liga giants owing to his contract situation and can be a handy stop-gap solution for them to bring in, considering that he has vast experience at the highest level and is still going strong.
It remains to be seen if Barcelona do convert their interest in the 30-year-old Frenchman into a formal approach or decide to go after a different player, with Divock Origi and Dani Olmo also on the club’s shortlist, as per the report.
