Premier League Rumors: Lacazette Wants Final Word From Arteta Before Deciding Fate

Alexandre Lacazette has not exactly performed up to par with Arsenal FC but it appears his stay is still not yet fully closed. The Gunners are reportedly set to sit down and talk with him to discuss his fate. It is possible that he could be given a new contract though his current one runs until 2022. Most teams are feeling the financial pinch of the COVID-19 pandemic, forcing clubs to curb down on expenses.

Arsenal plans to sit down and discuss with Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang their status. The Gunners want to keep both players in the fold if they can. There is no word on when these talks will take place, but ESPN reported that it could go down in the coming weeks. Aubameyang's contract is the one that will run out earlier, something happening next summer.

Ironically, the decision of Aubameyang could determine Lacazzette's fate. If the Gabon player opts to stay, the Gunners may be forced to sell off the 29-year-old French player. But if Aubameyang chooses to leave, Lacazette could end up being the Gunners' main center-forward. If Lacazette is dealt away, the proceeds from such a deal are reportedly worth around $75 million. That amount could help in the funding needed by Arsenal on targets they have listed.

One team reportedly interested in Lacazzette is Atletico Madrid. But rather than a buyout, a player swap involving Thomas Partey is suggested to be the likely scenario. No discussions have taken place so far. Lacazette finds himself displaced on Arteta's rotation, losing his spot to Eddie Nketiah.

Arsenal has several targets in mind, possibly players that could fill in potential voids of Aubameyang and/or Lacazette move out of Emirates Stadium. In a previous post, Ryan Fraser of AFC Bournemouth is reportedly ready to move to the Gunners following reports that he has no plans to re-sign with his current club. His contract with the Cherries expires on June 30.

The thing about Fraser is that like Lacazette, he has not exactly performed well this season. He scored only once and had four assists in 32 appearances. However, critics feel that an imminent move out of Vitality Stadium factored into his poor performance. Aside from Fraser, there are other names on Arteta's list. That includes players like Jonathan David, a player that Manchester United is also interested in.