According to La Razon, Arsenal are aware of Sevilla’s interest in Alexandre Lacazette, and want to do a deal involving Youssef En-Nesyri.
What’s the story?
Well, the Spanish news outlet believe Arsenal will be letting Lacazette go for nothing in the summer when his contract expires.
As a result, the Gunners hope to make use of the Frenchman while he’s still at the Emirates Stadium, and do a deal with the Spanish side.
According to La Razon, Arsenal plan to offer Lacazette to Sevilla in the hope that they will then reduce En-Nesyri’s price tag for them.
Currently, the 35-cap Morocco international has a €80m (£68m) release clause, which Sevilla stand by.
Julen Lopetegui will lose En-Nesyri in January when he departs for the Africa Cup of Nations, so Lacazette is a necessity for Sevilla.
In Arsenal’s case, it’s either this, or lose the 30-year-old for nothing in June.
Could West Ham disrupt the plan for Arsenal?
Interestingly, another Spanish news outlet – La Colina de Nervion – have claimed that West Ham are interested in signing En-Nesyri.
According to the Daily Star, the Hammers actually saw a bid worth £22.5m – rising to £27m – rejected back in January.
Since then, David Moyes hasn’t actually found an alternative – the closest he has come is the signing of Nikola Vlasic, who is not an out-and-out striker.
In that respect, West Ham could well be waiting for another chance to pounce on En-Nesyri.
If such an opportunity happens to arise in January, when Arsenal plan to make their move, it will be interesting to see if the Irons get involved.
Whatever happens, we don’t believe this will be a simple deal for the north Londoners to complete – not by any means.
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