OPINION: As Barcelona are linked with an exchange deal involving Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling, Edu can replicate a similar deal with Alexandre Lacazette and secure a long-term Arsenal target in the process.
Alexandre Lacazette’s excellent form in recent weeks has reopened the conversations of a possible contract renewal at the club with it is set to expire next summer.
The Frenchman seemed a certainty to leave the club at the end of the season but his impact in the side has possibly increased his value for a contract extension or a transfer in the January transfer window.
One club that has been linked with Lacazette is Barcelona, who are said to be interested in signing him on a free contract next year.
However, with their recent striker problems emerging, Arsenal could potentially replicate a swap deal that Barcelona are reportedly trying to strike with Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling.
Barcelona have been repeatedly linked with Sterling, despite their financial problems, and El Nacional reports that they have asked City about his availability, as he would suit new-manager Xavi’s ideal formation.
It is due to this that Manchester City and Barcelona are reportedly planning a swap deal between Frankie De Jong and Sterling.
This is certainly a type of transfer Arsenal could look to replicate with the Catalan club following Sergio Aguero’s illness concern.
The 33-year-old will not play for Barcelona for at least three months as he undergoes treatment for a suspected heart issue.
This leaves the club with Luuk De Jong and Memphis Depay as the only strikers and Arsenal could offer Lacazette to strengthen them in the attacking position.
But instead of a straight transfer, Arsenal could ask for Sergino Dest in exchange for the Frenchman.
Despite the signing of Takehiro Tomiyasu, the Gunners still need to provide sufficient back-up options for the defender who will be able to challenge him for the starting role.
Calum Chambers and Cedric Soares are not at the required level to do this, but the acquisition of Dest would be the perfect signing.
Whilst this would certainly be an unlikely outcome, the possibility is there as Barcelona urgently search for cheap attacking solutions.
Leave a Reply