Arsenal know that selling Alexandre Lacazette could bring in much-needed funds for a summer rebuild even if Mikel Arteta remains a big fan of the France international, as reported by Goal.
Has this season been a success or a failure for the Gunners’ £47 million striker? Like everything at Arsenal right now, there is no obvious answer to a difficult question.
On one hand, Lacazette has scored 17 times in all competitions – two more than Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
At his best, the former Lyon captain remains Arsenal’s most effective number nine, a brilliant link-man who leads the line with skill and precision.
But while Lacazette at his best is a fearsome proposition, the Frenchman at his worst is, well, a passenger.
The 29-year-old has leapt from awesome to anonymous throughout the campaign and, on occasions, appears to lack the hunger or the energy to do the simple things that should be second nature to a top-level number nine.
With his contract expiring next summer – and with Atletico Madrid showing an interest – Arsenal have a difficult decision to make regarding Lacazette’s future.
Goal reports that Arteta is a huge supporter of a player he described as a manager’s dream back in December. But there is a nagging feeling behind the scenes at London Colney that sacrificing Lacazette could free up funds for a much-needed rebuilding project.
The veteran striker could bring in £15 million, despite the fact that he will turn 30 next month and will be a free agent a year from now.
Goal adds that Arsenal have identified a number of potential replacements too, including Sporting Lisbon’s record-breaking, title-winning 18-year-old Tiago Tomas.
Odsonne Edouard is also a key target, although Leicester City look set to win the race for a silky centre-forward who conquered the Scottish Premiership under Brendan Rodgers at Celtic.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
