Atletico Madrid ‘to renew transfer interest in Arsenal’s Lacazette’ with star’s relationship with Arteta ‘under strain’
ATLETICO MADRID are preparing to renew their interest in Alexandre Lacazette, according to reports.
The LaLiga giants were heavily linked with the Frenchman last summer.
And now AS report Atleti – or even rivals Real Madrid – may look to capitalise on a ‘strained’ relationship between the striker and his Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta to secure a deal.
The report adds Lacazette is not thought to be part of the long-term plans in North London and could be sold as part of a ‘squad-clearing operation’ with Celtic ace Odsonne Edouard lined up as a potential replacement.
Arsenal have already got rid of Sead Kolasinac this month with Sokratis and Mesut Ozil expected to follow suit.
Lucas Torreira is already on loan at the Wanda Metropolitano but there was some bad blood between the two clubs last autumn when the Gunners triggered Thomas Partey’s release clause.
However, Atletico may be willing to put that behind them to sign Lacazette.
Diego Simeone is an admirer of the 29-year-old, who joined Arsenal in a then-record £52million deal in 2017.
The Spanish side instead signed Luis Suarez at the beginning of the season but ripped up Diego Costa’s contract in December.
Atletico have already landed Lyon striker Moussa Dembele on loan for the rest of the season.
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But the extra firepower from Lacazette could be tempting.
The 16-cap international – who has a club-high nine goals this season including four in his last four league games – is into the final 18 months of his Emirates contract.
But the club have put extension negotiations on his £170,000-a-week deal on hold until the summer.
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