Arsenal Rumors: Arteta's Hard-Working Striker Could Become Struggling Serie A Club's New Star

Arsenal star Alexandre Lacazette could start anew by becoming the talisman of a Serie A club.

In his fourth season with the Gunners, Lacazette remains a key figure in Mikel Arteta’s squad. To date, the former Lyon marksman already has nine English Premier League goals to his name.

However, with his contract set to expire next year, Lacazette has become a top prospect for an array of clubs outside England.

One of the frontrunners in the pursuit of Lacazette is Serie A side AS Roma, Italian outlet Calciomercato reported.

Roma has struggled to make the league’s top four and could be spending another season without a UEFA Champions League football.

According to the report, Paulo Fonseca’s side has identified Lacazette as a suitable and cheaper successor for Edin Dzeko, the club’s top striker, who has scored 116 goals in 247 games.

Lacazette is due to become free agent in 2022, and his market value is expected to drop as rumors swirled around London that Arsenal is unlikely to hand the 29-year-old a new deal.

It is said that the Gunners would allow Lacazette to leave the Emirates Stadium, should the club receive the right offer.

Aside from Roma, the highly-rated striker is also being tracked by Monaco and La Liga side Atletico Madrid, Football.london reported.

The report added that giving Lacazette a long-term deal wouldn’t make much sense for Arsenal considering the veteran striker is already nearing his 30s.

Instead, the Gunners will be more open to “welcoming interest” from clubs outside the Premier League as they look to cash-in on his possible transfer this summer.

Lacazette started 17 of his 22 Premier League matches this season for Arsenal. He has maintained his fine form and even scored in the club’s recent 3-1 victory over Leicester City.

In fact, prior to being linked to an Arsenal exit, Arteta had spoken highly of Lacazette, acknowledging the forward’s hardwork and confidence.

"Laca [Lacazette] is in better form and that is linked to the confidence from playing and scoring,” Arteta said last month. "When our players are going through difficult moments we have to be right behind them.We talk to them and give them the tools to resolve the issues they are going through.”

"In Laca’s case, it was related to being better in his movement and his body language.” The Spanish manager added. "He’s done that by committing himself to working hard. When his confidence improved he became a different player."