Report: Arsenal star Alexandre Lacazette is now prime target for goal-shy Atletico

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Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette is reportedly now top of Atletico Madrid’s transfer list.

Sport have claimed the Frenchman is now something of a priority for the Spanish giants, who found it a real struggle to score goals last season.

Diego Simeone’s side finished the season having bagged just 51 goals in 38 La Liga matches.

For some perspective, that is 19 fewer than champions Real Madrid and 35 fewer than Barcelona. Even seventh-placed Granada scored more than them (52), and the manager is determined to find a solution.

It would appear Lacazette is the man that fits the bill for the Argentine tactician, who famously places huge emphasis on tenacity and hard work for the team.

Lacazette is someone who is known for working hard and having good link-up play, so it is easy to see why Simeone would want him. But with 48 goals in 127 appearances for Arsenal and 129 in 275 for Lyon, he believes the 29-year-old can ultimately help his team become more potent.

Lacazette has been with Arsenal since the summer of 2017, joining from Lyon in a deal reported to be worth £46.5 million (BBC Sport).

TBR’s View – Arsenal should consider selling

Lacazette has been a decent player for Arsenal, but it’s reasonable to say he hasn’t blown anyone’s socks off over the past three years.

The £182,000-a-week star (Spotrac) has been good and, at times, superb, but never consistently fantastic.

The Gunners have Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang who can move into that central striking position, and Bukayo Saka could then have a more regular role on the left-wing, with Nicolas Pepe to the right.

Arsenal could then use any Lacazette money to strengthen their midfield.