REAL MADRID have reportedly joined rivals Atletico in the hunt for Arsenal star Alexandre Lacazette.
The Mail claims the Frenchman and Gunners boss Mikel Arteta no longer share a mutual bond in the dressing room.
Real Madrid and Atletico are both keen on Arsenal striker Alexandre LacazetteCredit: Getty Images – Getty
And Lacazette could be allowed to move on as he is not in Arteta’s long-term plans.
The former Lyon man, 29, is out of contract in 2022.
And Lacazette has recently found himself out of the starting XI, with youngsters including Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe working their way up to play alongside captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Despite his recent spell on the bench, Lacazette has still recorded decent figures this term with nine goals in 21 appearances.
And with time running out on his deal, the hitman is now attracting interest from the Spanish capital.
Real are looking for more firepower after letting Luka Jovic return to Eintracht Frankfurt on loan.
The Serbian is unlikely to make a return to the Bernabeu this summer unless he rediscovers his form in Germany.
And Lacazette is being eyed as competition for compatriot Karim Benzema.
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However, Diego Simeone is also a big fan and has long been linked with a bid.
The Atletico boss has just signed Lyon’s Moussa Dembele on loan as a replacement for Diego Costa.
There is an option to buy if he impresses, but Lacazette has emerged as a contender should Dembele fall short at the Wanda Metropolitano.
The report adds Arsenal have no plans to discuss a new with Lacazette until the summer, opening the door to an exit.
Arteta already has highly-rated youngsters Gabriel Martinelli and Eddie Nketiah waiting in the wings.
And cashing in on Lacazette would allow him to spend money on weaker areas of his squad.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
