Alexandre Lacazette is attracting interest from Rennes heading into the summer window as the forward is about to exit Arsenal on a free transfer.
According to Le10Sport, Alexandre Lacazette is a target for Rennes in the window, as the Ligue 1 club look to bring in experienced reinforcements to help them in the Europa League next season. The French forward is on the verge of leaving Arsenal on a free transfer as his contract expires this month.
A period of great expectation is about to come to a disappointing end for Alexandre Lacazette, as he will likely quit Arsenal at the end of the current month. The Gunners are unlikely to offer him a new contract, and he could look for a new adventure in the transfer window.
The Frenchman joined Arsenal in 2017, for a then club-record fee and was expected to play a pivotal role in their future. Compared to his prolific time with Lyon, the striker has seemingly disappointed with his returns for the Gunners, having registered only 71 goals from 206 appearances in all competitions.
Lacazette also has 36 assists to his name, but overall, his time at the Emirates has been disappointing. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was expected to try and prolong the striker’s stint at the club beyond the summer after some impressive performances since Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s departure in January, although it now looks unlikely.
Arsenal are on the verge of renewing Eddie Nketiah’s contract and are subsequently planning to sign a new forward in the window, which leaves the prospect of Lacazette penning a new deal in doubt. With his departure, the Gunners are likely to save big on wages, which they could redirect towards a new signing.
Lacazette’s former club Lyon had shown interest earlier in the year, although they have gone quiet on their pursuit. The Frenchman’s talents are still considered good enough for some elite clubs such as Juventus, Atletico Madrid, and West Ham United, but returning to France may be on the cards.
Rennes are reportedly interested in a move for Lacazette, as they feel the striker could add value to their ambitions in the short term. Rennes have qualified for the Europa League for next season and want to build a competitive squad to go the distance in the competition.
Lacazette, to that end, has emerged as a prospective target. However, the Frenchman’s wages could pose a problem, although the Ligue 1 outfit are expected to try and negotiate a lower salary.
Lacazette could find it comforting to return to France, as he could look forward to a new beginning with Rennes or a different club. The French side are expected to push to sign the 31-year-old forward, who will depart from Arsenal at the end of the month.