Barcelona will reportedly go head-to-head with Ligue 1 giants Lyon in the race to sign Arsenal forward Alexandre Lacazette in the summer.
According to a report by Spanish publication SPORT, Alexandre Lacazette will be a popular figure in the summer transfer window. Barcelona and Lyon are reportedly in contention to sign the French forward on a Bosman move if he chooses to call it quits at Arsenal as a free agent.
Alexandre Lacazette has made a remarkable impact since joining Arsenal from Lyon in July 2017. While he has not been as prolific as he was during his days in Ligue 1, the French international has been a pivotal figure for the Gunners, making a major impact with his hold-up play and link-up abilities.
Lacazette has a tally of six goals and eight assists in 29 appearances across all competitions in the ongoing season. But despite the 30-year-old not being prolific, Arsenal will be scrambling to secure his long-term future as he has entered the final months of his contract. Such a situation has captured the attention of Barcelona and Lyon.
Barcelona will delve into the market for a striker in the summer transfer window, as Luuk de Jong will return to Sevilla for good when his loan deal ends. At the same time, Martin Braithwaite will likely embark on a new adventure where he can secure regular game-time, leaving Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as the only recognised striker at Xavi Hernandez’s disposal.
Barcelona initially prioritised signing Erling Haaland, but the finances involved in pursuing the Borussia Dortmund striker have effectively ruled them out of the race to sign him. Lacazette has thus emerged as a viable short-term alternative, considering former Arsenal teammate Aubameyang has immediately become a key figure at Camp Nou.
As for Lyon, Moussa Dembele’s links with Manchester United should leave them in a spot of bother and create the need to scout a striker. And the Ligue 1 giants have thus set their sights on former captain Lacazette. The Arsenal skipper’s impending status as a free agent will further attract Lyon and Barcelona towards him.
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Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta has suggested that he is unclear whether Lacazette has a future at Arsenal. However, recent reports have claimed that the two parties will hold talks over a renewal closer to the end of the season. Till then, Barcelona and Lyon might look to strengthen their positions in pursuit of the 30-year-old
