Alexandre Lacazette emerges as surprise January target for Barcelona

Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette has emerged as a top target for Barcelona ahead of the January transfer window, Catalan outlet El Nacional claims.

The Frenchman was out of contention for a starting role in the Premier League earlier this term, but he has recently become a regular under Mikel Arteta.

Despite this, there is speculation that the 30-year-old could move on from the north London club with his current deal expiring at the end of the campaign.

Lacazette has reportedly made the decision to leave the club next summer, but it is now reported that the Gunners are open to sanctioning his sale in January.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta is keen on landing a new striker with Sergio Aguero and Martin Braithwaite on the sidelines while Luuk de Jong has failed to impress.

Lacazette has emerged as a prime transfer candidate for the Catalan giants. Laporta is willing to meet the Gunners’ £8.55 million price tag for the striker.

Our view:

Lacazette was recently out-of-favour for a starting league role, but he managed to earn the trust of Arteta after his last-gasp equaliser against Crystal Palace last month.

He has started the last three top-flight games for the Gunners. The Frenchman won a penalty against Aston Villa and did so again against Watford, though it was not converted.

While he has now become a regular up front alongside Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Lacazette may be concerned over his future with the Gunners eyeing a new centre-forward.

It has been claimed that the Gunners have verbally agreed to sign Fiorentina’s Dusan Vlahovic this winter, but still need to convince the striker over a mid-season move.

Meanwhile, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Nicolas Pepe are set to play in the African Cup of Nations in January. This could force the Gunners to keep hold of Lacazette.

If one of them return early, their transfer stance could change. The arrival of another striker, possibly Vlahovic, could also pave the way for Lacazette’s departure.

Aside from Lacazette, Eddie Nketiah could also head for the exit door. His contract expires in June 2022. The Gunners may opt to cash in rather than losing him for free.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

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