Juventus are interested in signing Arsenal forward Alexandre Lacazette this summer window and the London club re open to a player-plus-cash offer, according to reports.
Although Lacazette has featured in many games under Mikel Arteta, he has just two years left on his current contract and they have identified him as a player they could use to raise transfer funds.
Arsenal’s priority this summer has been to wrap up a new deal for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and once he commits his future to the club, they will shift their attention to offloading Lacazette.
According to The Athletic, Juventus are monitoring the French striker and are considering making a move, with the Italian team in need of more goals in their team.
While Cristiano Ronaldo scored 31 goals in Serie A last canpaign, their second highest scorer in the team, Paulo Dybala, found the net just 11 times.
Higuain scored eight goals and is expected to be sold this summer, with just a year to run on his deal, and Juve’s next highest scorer after the forward was Matthijs de Ligt with four goals.
Arsenal are prepared to do a deal that will see Lacazette at the right price – they value him at around £30m – but would also entertain a swap deal with Juventus.
The Seria A Champions are very tight financially this summer due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic and club chiefs have already spoken of the need to be creative in the market and the likelihood of doing swap deals.
Two players who will likely be on the table in any talks over a swap deal for Lacazette are Douglas Costa – who has also been linked with a move to Manchester United – and Cristian Romero, who occupies a central defence position that Arteta is keen to strengthen.
While Arteta is pleased with Lacazette’s work rate and displays, he only scored 10 goals and provided four assists last campaign – and the club may also feel it is wise to sell a player who will turn 30 next year.
