Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette is being reportedly eyed by Steven Gerrard at Aston Villa with his contract set to expire in June. But if Villa do sign Lacazette, it hands Arsenal a boost in a striker pursuit of their own.
Like Eddie Nketiah, 30-year-old Lacazette is out of contract in the summer. He is set to remain at Arsenal until the summer but the chances of the France international penning a new deal looks increasingly unlikely.
Sporx report that Besiktas have pulled out of a pre-contract arrangement for the ex-Lyon star. He wants a huge £97,000 a week, with Aston Villa and his old side Lyon said to be interested in nabbing Lacazette’s signature.
Villa could end up with Lacazette then, but surely, such a move hands Arsenal a boost in a striker pursuit of their own. The Gunners missed out on Dusan Vlahovic and Alexander Isak in the January transfer window.
Our View: Villa signing Lacazette helps Arsenal get Watkins
Villa do not need a striker. They have Ollie Watkins, Danny Ings, Leon Bailey, Wesley, Cameron Archer and Keinan Davis all on the books. But if Lacazette was to join, surely they would have to get rid of a couple.
Having spent the first two and a half seasons since promotion in the starting XI, the signing of Lacazette would surely see Watkins consider his future. He has starred for Villa since his £33million move (Mail).
The Mirror said in October that Watkins was an option to replace Lacazette, with it being his “dream” to play for the Gunners. If Lacazette goes to Villa, Watkins could be sold, and Arsenal must take advantage.
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