Alexandre Lacazette proved to be Mikel Arteta’s hero against Crystal Palace, but has told his agent to find him a new club for next summer’s transfer window, per football.london.
The Frenchman has just eight-months remaining on his contract at the Emirates Stadium and will leave when his terms expire. Lacazette can also agree pre-contracts with foreign sides from January, amid widespread European interest in the 30-year-old centre-forward.
Roma and Atletico Madrid tracked Lacazette’s situation at Arsenal during the last transfer window, but neither made a formal offer. ESPN still cite the La Liga champions as a possible destination, and note rival interest from Juventus and Sevilla should he leave in January.
Inter Milan are also monitoring the striker for a potential mid-season transfer, per Gazzetta dello Sport. While La Razon suggest Arsenal could use Lacazette in part-exchange to lower Sevilla’s €45m (£38m) asking price for Youssef En-Nesyri.
However, Lacazette will likely snub any mid-season departures to wait and leave Arsenal on a free transfer next summer. Preferring to wait and secure the lucrative pay day on offer if the Gunners are not owed a fee.
Lacazette is also putting plans in place for a future beyond Arsenal, with the £182k-a-week forward asking his agent to find suitable destinations. He has so far spent the current term on Mikel Arteta’s bench more than on the field during league fixtures.
Lacazette has played just 72-minutes in the top-flight after six possible games so far, having missed the first two matches. He is yet to start either of his three appearances, either, with the 16-cap forward’s sole start so far coming in the Carabao Cup at home to Wimbledon.
Should Arsenal force Lacazette out in January transfer?
Arsenal seem happy to let Lacazette’s future play out amid a backdrop of uncertainty and transfer gossip. ESPN add there are currently no new terms on the table, but he would be unlikely to sign any deal.
However, with his contract expiring, Arsenal may have to consider forcing Lacazette out in January to secure a transfer fee. Although doing so would deprive Arteta of the player who proved his hero against Crystal Palace with a stoppage-time equaliser.
Scoring his first goal of the Premier League season and third in all competitions after two in the EFL Cup. Showing Lacazette can still offer Arsenal a presence in attack, even if he sees his future away from north London.
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