Atletico Madrid are ready to revive their long-standing interest in Arsenal forward Alexandre Lacazette and could even offer the gunners the choice of three players.
Atletico were interested in signing the former Lyon striker three years ago but the Frenchman was persuaded to join Arsenal by Arsene Wenger instead.
Lacazette started his Arsenal career well, but has had to play second fiddle to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang who arrived only six months after the 29-year-old’s then club record transfer.
Atletico kept tabs on Lacazette and, according to Marca, are now ready to make a move for the player who is likely to be offloaded by the gunners this summer in a bid to make funds available for their own summer spending spree.
Arsenal have already signed Willian on a free transfer from Chelsea and are also set to announce the signing of Brazilian centre-half Gabriel from Lille.
And Mikel Arteta wants to bolster his midfield, particularly in light of the complications surrounding a deal for Dani Ceballos, who spent last campaign on loan at the Emirates from Real Madrid, and Ainsley Maitland-Niles’ impending exit.
Atletico are not likely to spend big this summer and have been priced out of moves for players like Luis Suarez, Gonzalo Higuain and Edinson Cavani, but they are willing to tempt Arsenal by offering them a choice of three stars in return for Lacazette.
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Arsenal have been linked with a move for Thomas Partey and are even reported to have agreed personal terms with the player. Atletico, however, are unwilling to sanction the midfielder’s exit and he now looks more likely to sign a new deal.
Instead, the Spanish club will offer Thomas Lemar, who Arsenal tried to sign as a replacement for Alexis Sanchez in the summer of 2017, or Angel Correa or Vitolo as a makeweight for the signing of Lacazette.
Meanwhile, Arsenal began their pre-season season with a 4-1 victory over MK Dons last night. the selection of first team players featured, including Aubameyang, but Lacazette was not in the squad.
