Report: Juventus and Atletico Madrid in talks to sign Arsenal player

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French newspaper L’Equipe – as relayed by GFFN – have claimed that both Juventus and Atletico Madrid have opened talks to sign Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette this summer, despite comments from Mikel Arteta.

Arteta spoke in a recent press conference of the importance of offering 29-year-old forward Lacazette a new contract – days after deals had been arranged for Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka.

It seems as though Arteta is keen to keep France international Lacazette despite a difficult season in which he has only managed 10 goals in all competitions. His current £182,000-a-week contract (Express) ends in 2022.

In a bid to avoid sagas such as Alexis Sanchez, Aaron Ramsey or Mesut Ozil, Arteta has urged the Gunners board to hand Lacazette a new deal, as per Sky Sports: “We have to have a chat about the next step with him.”

But it might not even get to that stage. Lacazette may be about to have his head turned, with Juve and Atleti contacting the player. Both clubs are open to a swap deal, with Thomas Partey a possible inclusion.

TBR’s view – If Partey is included, Arsenal should wave goodbye

Arsenal, as per many reports, will struggle to afford Partey’s release clause – which is in the region of £45million. A player-plus-cash deal, then, makes complete sense and if it means losing Lacazette – so be it.

The Gunners are hardly lacking up front. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang looks increasingly likely as though he will stay, while Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel Martinelli are both tied down to long-term deals.

If Atletico include Partey in a deal for Lacazette – potentially as a straight swap – then Arsenal have got to rubber stamp a move.