Arsenal want to use Alexandre Lacazette as a makeweight in a deal for Sevilla striker Youssef En-Nesyri, according to reports. The Morocco international has emerged as a key target for Arsenal, who are looking to bolster their attack.
Mikel Arteta wants to sign the Morocco striker, who has scored 33 goals in 85 games since joining Sevilla. But the LaLiga side are said to value him at £38.5million. As En-Nesyri remains under contract at Sevilla until the summer of 2025. Youssef En-Nesyri has also made a good start to the current campaign. Finding the net three times in six La Liga outings. On the other hand, Lacazette has played only 31 minutes of Premier League football this season.
Arteta’s side are on a fine run of form, having won three of their last four matches in the Premier League. But the Spaniard knows his side are not the finished article. And he wants to add more youthful vibrancy to the ranks.
Lacazette’s Gunners deal is due to expire in the summer of 2022. And there is currently no indication that the Frenchman will be offered an extension. As a result, Arsenal are running the risk of losing Lacazette on a free transfer after forking out £47m to sign him from Lyon in 2017. And the North London side are therefore said to be planning an unorthodox swap deal.
On Lacazette’s future, Arteta said: ‘We discuss that internally, we discuss that with him. It’s a long season ahead of us anything can happen everything is open. ‘He just needs to focus on performing and contributing to the team like he always does. ‘He’s a phenomenal character, he’s somebody that’s always pushing and he has a real interest to help the team. That’s not going to change. After we will see what happens.’
£38.5million price tag for Youssef En-Nesyri?
En-Nesyri, meanwhile, is set to represent Morocco in the Africa Cup of Nations in January. Potentially complicating any bid for his services from Arsenal. The Gunners might have more success pursuing a deal for the striker at the end of the season. Although they might need to meet his £38.5million price tag to prise him away from Sevilla.
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