Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette has emerged as a surprise target for Manchester City, the Premier League champions one of three teams reported to be interested in the player.
The Frenchman has enjoyed a positive start to the new season, netting three times in nine games in all competitions after having regained his place in Mikel Arteta’s side, albeit with doubts remaining over his future owing to his current contract situation.
The 30-year-old has been linked with a departure with less than a year remaining on his existing deal, opening up the possibility that he could walk away for nothing at the end of the season, or be moved on for a cut-price fee in January.
The former Lyon man has been a largely reliable goalscoring presence since joining Arsenal from the Ligue 1 side in a £47.5m deal back in 2017, having gone on to score 51 goals in 134 league games and notably helping the club to an FA Cup triumph in 2020.
With his current deal up in the summer, Fichajes are reporting that the forward is courting interest from three of Europe’s top sides, with Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Man City all interested in his signature.
As per the report, the indication is that he will end up leaving the Emirates within the next 12 months, with club claimed to be ‘unwilling’ to offer a new long-term deal, despite an impressive start to the campaign that has seen him line up in an unconventional number ten role behind Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
A move to the Nou Camp could be on the cards for the France international, the La Liga side currently devoid of real quality in their forward ranks, while summer signing Sergio Aguero faces an uncertain future due to a heart problem that could reportedly cut his career short.
Meanwhile, the Argentine’s exit from the Etihad at the end of last term has left a noticeable void in Pep Guardiola’s side, the champions seeking a new striking addition after missing out on both Harry Kane and Cristiano Ronaldo over the summer.
As for Atletico, they are currently well-stocked in the forward department following Antoine Griezmann’s return to the club, although manager Diego Simeone may be seeking a longer-term alternative to 34-year-old Luis Suarez.
