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Arsenal get explosive reminder of how £60m target can replace Lacazette

Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette with both hands on hips 2021

Arsenal have seen what a £60m target could bring to north London after the latest update provided grim reading on the future of Alexandre Lacazette.

Lacazette, 30, is in the final year of his contract at The Emirates. Once a club-record signing, the Frenchman has never really lived up to expectations at Arsenal. Nonetheless, his potential departure will still leave a void in their squad that would need filling.

Prior reports have indicated Lacazette has little desire to pen fresh terms at Arsenal – even if a suitable offer was made.

Now, Football London provide a new update on the situation that continues to point to an exit. They claim Lacazette has ‘no intention of extending his stay at Arsenal’.

With his mind seemingly made up, a January sale could move into focus to avoid losing him for free next summer. West Ham and Atletico Madrid have both been credited with interest thus far.

And with Eddie Nketiah also tracking to leave after entering the final year of his deal and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang ageing, a new striker will need to be signed.

Arsenal were heavily linked with Sweden international Alexander Isak over the summer. The 22-year-old Real Sociedad hitman enjoyed a superb campaign at Euro 2020.

Isak reportedly holds a £59.8m release clause within his contract that Sociedad are unwilling to compromise on. That proved to be an insurmountable obstacle for the Gunners in the summer.

Arsenal want Torino and Italy forward Andrea Belotti

Arsenal want Torino and Italy forward Andrea Belotti

Arsenal are reportedly interested in Torino and Italy forward Andrea Belotti, with more updates on Denis Zakaria and Tammy Abraham.

However, with Lacazette and Nketiah potentially opening up both squad space and salary, Football London suggest an Isak raid is now more viable than ever.

And while Isak has endured a slow start to the season with Sociedad, he exploded into life against Kosovo on Saturday.

Cutting in from the left, Isak flew past a would-be defender before rifling a 25-yard strike into the top corner.

If it were needed, Football London state that will have put him back in the thought processes of Arsenal’s hierarchy with a striker signing soon to be required.


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Brentford gem keeps Arsenal rumour mill turning

Meanwhile, one of the stars of Brentford’s impressive start to the season has refused to rule out a move elsewhere amid reported transfer interest from Arsenal.

Goalkeeper David Raya has made a bright start to Premier League life. His exploits have previously had Everton and Arsenal on his trail. 

And his fine form so far has seen them pair once again linked with a move.

Arsenal are likely to lose Bernd Leno in January after he lost his place to Aaron Ramsdale. Everton, meanwhile, have also been linked and could be in the market for a long-term No 2. Rafa Benitez brought in Asmir Begovic over the summer as a deputy for Jordan Pickford.

 

And Raya, while insisting he’s happy at the Brentford Community Stadium, is refusing to rule anything out over a future move.

“I’m happy at the club,” Raya told Cadena Ser“I want to have a good season this year. We’ll see what happens in the summer. My ambitions are great, I’d like to play at the top. You always want to play for big clubs.”

Raya then relayed his international ambitions – something that would be aided by moving to a higher profile side.

“For me it’d be a dream to represent Spain,” added the stopper. “I’ve dreamed of it since I was little. If that is the case, I’m delighted. I have to keep working and competing to please Luis Enrique. Then that’s the manager’s decision.”

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