New club named as top Arsenal star decides to snub fresh contract offers
Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette has reportedly made a final decision on his future amid speculation over a likely departure in 2022.
The France forward’s contract expires next summer and so far there has been no clear indication that a renewal of his deal will be agreed. Indeed, the longer the silence continues the more likely that the former Lyon man will leave for nothing.
The striker joined Arsenal in a £47million in the summer of 2017. However, after Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was signed the following January, Lacazette was often played out of position or left on the bench.
Lacazette has endured a couple of frustrating seasons in north London. He scored 13 Premier League goals last term and has managed just one since the start of the current campaign.
However, that solitary strike was a dramatic late equaliser against Crystal Palace, which then earned the 30-year-old a start in last Friday’s win over Aston Villa. But the frontman has started only 23 times in the league since the start of last season.
And it now appears that Lacazette has finally made a decision over where he will play his football going forward.
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According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, the Frenchman will snub any new contract offers from the Gunners. That will see his five-year stay at The Emirates come to an end.
The report continues that Atletico Madrid would be the likeliest destination for Lacazette, with Diego Simeone a big fan.
Lacazette is believed to favour a move so that can have a fresh start and a guarantee of first-team football elsewhere.
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Arsenal midfield target wants bumper salary
Meanwhile, a report has revealed the wage demands of Arsenal target Denis Zakaria, who looks set to leave Borussia Monchengladbach on a free transfer.
The defensive midfielder has long been linked with a Premier League move. He has even received comparisons with Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira in the past.
Zakaria is one Gladbach’s most valuable assets but they haven’t been able to tie him down to a new deal. His contract expires in June, meaning Arsenal can sort out an initial agreement as early as January.
German journalist Christian Falk explained earlier this week that the star was on Arsenal’s transfer wish list. He also stated that England was his preferred destination, ahead of Bayern Munich or Serie A.
The Sun now provide a report on Zakaria’s future. They claim that the 24-year-old will request £80,000 a week at his next club. It is an achievable sum for Arsenal which could push transfer negotiations a long way.
Reasonable demands could interest Gunners
It is far less than the £250,000 sum that skipper Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang picks up every week. Thomas Partey, who would likely play alongside Zakaria, picks up a reported £200,000 per week.
Even Bosnian flop Sead Kolasinac earns around £100,000 a week, despite failing to impress Mikel Arteta in recent seasons.
Zakaria, meanwhile, could firm up Arsenal’s midfield and provide more protection to their defence. He also excels at running with the ball and dragging his team up the pitch.
At 6ft 3in, he has a great chance of adapting to the Premier League’s tough nature. Zakaria is also a great passer of the ball.
It could be one midfielder in and one out at Arsenal next year. football.london, citing reports in Turkey, claim that Mohamed Elneny has agreed terms with Galatasaray.
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