Arsenal face battle with PL rivals over £60m prolific forward to replace outgoing talisman

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Arsenal reportedly have their eye on Lyon striker Alexandre Lacazette this summer as a replacement for Alexis Sanchez if he leaves.

The Chilean international’s contract expires at the end of next season, and there has been no suggestion of progress being made in talks over a new deal.

In turn, The Mirror claim that Arsene Wenger is resigned to losing the 28-year-old this summer, but he intends on making a significant purchase in order to try and cover his loss.

It’s added in the report that Arsenal tried to sign Lacazette last summer but had a £35m bid turned down, and so they will likely have to trigger the French international’s £60m release clause if they wish to prise him away from the Ligue 1 outfit.

The prolific striker has bagged 26 goals already this season to make it a third straight year in which he’s scored 20+ league goals as he continues to prove his quality.

However, Arsenal might have an issue on their hands as the report goes on to add that Liverpool are also keen as they consider offloading Daniel Sturridge and bringing in another striker.

It’s claimed that Lyon will demand over £50m, but they are confident that they can reach something close to £60m with Atletico Madrid also monitoring the situation.

Losing Sanchez would be a major blow for the Gunners as he has been a talismanic figure for them this season. However, whether it’s financial reasons or Arsenal’s lack of success on the pitch as they look to have fallen short in the Premier League and Champions League again this season, the former Barcelona and Udinese man looks set to move on.

As for Liverpool, their desire to sign Lacazette is understandable as Jurgen Klopp will be desperate to add a proven goalscorer who can lead the line for him next season, with Sturridge’s injury problems and lack of form preventing him from securing that role.

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