Barcelona could move for impending Arsenal free agent Alexandre Lacazette if their primary £63m-rated attacking target moves elsewhere, per a report.
Xavi’s side are understood to be keen to sign Erling Haaland this summer. The Norwegian hitman, 21, has a €75m (£63m) release clause that can be activated this summer. With Real Madrid hot on the heels of Kylian Mbappe, Barca are keen to respond.
However, bringing Haaland to the Camp Nou will be a difficult task, not least because of Barcelona’s financial situation.
The cost of agent’s fees, sign-on fee and huge salary will see a deal total far more than just £63m when all is said and done. What’s more, Manchester City are known admirers and are not hampered by the same financial constraints.
As such, Spanish outlet Sport reports Barcelona’s back-up plan to Haaland is Alexandre Lacazette.
The Frenchman, 30, is out of contract on June 30. If he – along with fellow free agent-to-be Eddie Nketiah – both leave, Arsenal will be left desperately short of firepower heading into the summer window.
There has been talk of a one-year extension for Lacazette to remain at the Emirates from L’Equipe. An option for a further 12 months would also be included as Arsenal begin to move away from offering lengthy contracts for stars aged over 30.
Lacazette has excelled as the focal point in Arsenal’s attack since Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang departed in January. However, whether he would sign on for just one more guaranteed year remains to be seen.
Barcelona certainly hope he won’t, with Sport reporting Lacazette is a solid back-up option if Haaland can’t be signed.
A reunion with Aubameyang could be on the cards, and the lack of a transfer fee also heightens his appeal.
Lacazette is unlikely to be short of suitors, however. Lyon are also in the mix and are hopeful of securing a return for the third-highest scorer in their history. Lacazette previously bagged 129 goals for Lyon between 2010-17.
Barcelona are noted to be admirers of Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah and Bayern Munich poacher Robert Lewandowski.
However, those players would require transfer fees, thus making Lacazette a more attractive deal.
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