Arsenal are prepared to cough up a club-record sum for Lyon’s Alexandre Lacazette amid speculation over the future of star forward Alexis Sanchez.
Sanchez, 28, has recently been linked a potential return to La Liga with a reunion with former Chile coach Jorge Sampaoli, at Sevilla being at the top of his wishlist.
However, the forward’s ambition could yet be shortlived with Sampaoli being lined up as a potential replacement for Luis Enrique at Barcelona next season.
According to The Mirror, the north London club appear prepared for the exit of Sanchez more than their manager, who could stay put for a couple of seasons.
Arsene Wenger is due to make a decision on his future within the next 50 days, and he is hopeful that Sanchez could show his commitment as well with a fresh contract.
Sanchez’s existing deal is due to expire at the end of next season, and the Gunners are readying themselves for the worst this summer following interest from the likes of Juventus, Atletico Madrid, and Sevilla.
Lacazette, 25, has been long on the radar of the Gunners’ shortlist, and it appears that the club will revive their pursuit in the summer as they seek to find a suitable successor to Sanchez.
The France international has already highlighted his intention to move abroad next season, and this puts the Gunners in the reckoning, given their previous shortcomings in securing his services.
Arsene Wenger’s side had previously failed with a bid in excess of £35m for the player, and they are now prepared to offer nearly double the sum – £60m in order to lure him to the Emirates ahead of rivals Liverpool.
The Reds are expecting to part ways with injury-plagued striker Daniel Sturridge this summer, and this has brought the free-scoring Lacazette onto their focus.
Lacazette has netted 22 goals in as many outings in Ligue 1 this campaign, and he is only behind Paris Saint-Germain’s Edinson Cavani (26) in the top-scorers list.
