Arsenal have received a huge boost in the pursuit of Lyon’s Alexandre Lacazette after his representative confirmed that he has yet to hold discussions with Atletico Madrid.
The France international has been fine form for the Ligue 1 club this campaign, and his tally of 28 goals in 34 outings has captured the attention of several clubs including the Gunners.
Arsene Wenger’s side have maintained a keen interest in the striker since the summer of 2015 and had failed with a £28m approach last year after it was deemed to be below Les Gones’ €40m valuation.
A report from Spanish outlet Cadena Cope recently suggested that Lacazette had finalized personal terms with Atletico Madrid – in a move which could see the club keep hold of Antoine Griezmann on a long-term basis.
However, the speculation has been quickly rebuffed by his agent who insists that there is such no agreement in place, and there are other clubs also keen on the marksman.
“There has been no meeting with Atletico Madrid,” David Beneditelli was quoted as saying on Metro. “But there is no doubt that they like Alexandre and other top clubs like the Colchoneros [Atletico Madrid].”
Lacazette has netted over 20 goals in each of his last three seasons, and he is on course for his best campaign in a Les Gones’ shirt this term before heading for a fresh challenge overseas.
Gunners boss Wenger is expecting to do a rebuilding job once his one-year extension is finalized, and Lacazette could be seen as the ideal replacement for Alexis Sanchez, who looks more and more likely to leave the Emirates in the summer.
Sanchez had vented his frustration towards his fellow teammates following the 10-2 aggregate bashing to Bayern Munich in the Champions League, and this has not gone well with the squad who have seemingly ignored him on occasions in the dressing room.
He is currently approaching the final 12 months of his Gunners deal, and talks over a contract extension are unlikely to resume until the end of the current campaign.
Meanwhile, Lacazette, who has more than two years left on his existing deal, is likely to be sold for a sum of around £35m during the summer transfer window.
