Exit-linked Arsenal man features as Atletico draw up tempting swap

Atletico Madrid are prepared to offer long-term Arsenal target Thomas Lemar in a swap deal with the Gunners to bring Alexandre Lacazette to LaLiga, according to reports.

Lacazette moved to north London from Lyon in the summer of 2017 and despite largely being an impressive figure for Arsenal, he has been linked with a move away in recent months.

The Gunners have reportedly been in talks over extending his contract – talks which have stalled – and speculation over his future was heightened last week when the Frenchman was allegedly caught inhaling nitrous oxide in a repeat offence.

Arsenal said they would deal with the matter internally but is unclear whether Lacazette has a long-term future at the club.

According to AS (via the Daily Mail), Atletico have earmarked Lacazette as a top target ahead of the upcoming transfer window.

Boss Diego Simeone reportedly feels he could bolster his attacking options with the signing of the Frenchman and is prepared to offer Lemar as part of a swap deal.

Arsenal tried unsuccessfully to sign the 24-year-old in 2018 but, two years on from his move to the Spanish capital, Lemar has started just 11 games under Simeone this season.

Indeed, Simeone admitted earlier this season that the midfielder “hasn’t been able to live up to his expectations” since his arrival.

The manager said in January: “Let’s hope he has a good moment when he comes back from injury.

“Now, if Lemar can stay or not… we know that agents work in an exemplary way. Clubs work in terms of the needs of the clubs.

“But, as a footballer, every time he has been available, he’s played a lot more than he hasn’t played.

“His characteristics have always excited me. But he hasn’t been able to live up to expectations.”

In other news, Arsenal have reportedly offered Henrikh Mkhitaryan and £13million to sign Roma winger Justin Kluivert.

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