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Barcelona want to sign Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette on a free transfer this summer when his contract expires.
The 30-year-old has played a key role during the Gunners’ impressive charge towards the Premier League top four this season but still appears likely to leave.
Despite reports they will offer the club captain a one-year extension, manager Mikel Arteta recently indicated any talks will be put on hold until the end of the current campaign.
The Spaniard said last week: “We have discussed that at the end of the season, when we know where we are we are going, to make a decision together [on Lacazette’s future].
“We agreed the decision is to do it in the summer [assess the situation] and that’s when we are going to do it.”
Spanish outlet Sport say Barca will look to take advantage of the uncertainty over the No9’s future by offering him a contract.
The Blaugrana’s January signing of ex-Gunner Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has proved an undoubted success, meaning they could head to North London to strike a deal once again.
The Catalan club want to sign a new goalscorer this summer, with Erling Haaland, Robert Lewandowski and Mohamed Salah top of their priorities.
But with all three deals requiring a big transfer fee and wages, out-of-contract Lacazette could represent a cheaper option.
The Frenchman is free to discuss pre-contract agreements with other clubs as he enters the final months of his deal, with former side Lyon also interested in a move.
In other news
Villarreal defender Pau Torres is back on Manchester United’s radar, having held talks with the Spain international prior to their signing of Raphael Varane last summer, according to 90min.
ESPN say Manchester City are confident they can see off competition from Real Madrid to sign Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland.
Tottenham are interested in signing Leeds winger Jack Harrison this summer after enquiring about the 25-year-old in January, according to the Telegraph.
