ARSENAL are reportedly only willing to offer Alexandre Lacazette a short-term deal as he approaches the end of his contract.
The 30-year-old is set to become a free agent next summer and is free to speak to foreign clubs in the New Year.
Having started the season playing second fiddle to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, the Frenchman has started the last three Premier League games.
And according to The Athletic, Mikel Arteta’s side haven’t ruled out the possibility of extending his stay.
Though they are refusing to offer him a long-term deal, and are only prepared to offer him a short-term contract.
Arsenal do not want to be burdened with paying an experienced player a heavy salary and lengthy deal, as what happened with the likes of Mesut Ozil, Sokratis and Shkodran Mustafi.
The news outlet also states the North Londoners are fearful that Lacazette penning a new contract could have a ‘domino effect’ on the younger squad members.
Should he remain at Arsenal, the likes of Gabriel Martinelli and Folarin Balogun could be hindered in their development.
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And it could restrict the club in signing a new striker to compete with Aubameyang for a starting spot next campaign.
SunSport exclusively revealed last month how Arsenal are eyeing up a swoop for either Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin or Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins in 2022.
Lacazette has no shortage of admirers with West Ham said to be a potential destination for the ex-Lyon ace.
Meanwhile Newcastle have also been linked with a move for the Les Bleus international in January in their bid to beat the drop.
The two Premier League clubs are understood to face competition from LaLiga giants Atletico Madrid, with boss Diego Simeone known to be an admirer.
Serie A side Juventus are another interested club as the Old Lady look to replace Cristiano Ronaldo, who was sold to Manchester United.
And former Manchester City winger Shaun Wright-Phillips believes the Citizens should look to bring Lacazette to the Etihad.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
