Newcastle United are reportedly interested in signing Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette, who is out of contract at the end of the season.
The Frenchman, 30, is looking set to be a free agent in the summer, with the Gunners yet to discuss a new contract. Manager Mikel Arteta has not slammed the door to a new deal but wants to put all contract negotiations on hold for the time being.
According to The Sun, Newcastle United are among the four clubs monitoring Alexandre Lacazette, who has been with Arsenal since joining from Lyon in 2017. The other three clubs interested in the striker’s signature are AC Milan, Atletico Madrid and Marseille, the report adds.
Lacazette has fallen down the pecking order at Arsenal this season, making just four Premier League starts. In all, he has made 10 appearances across all competitions, bagging three goals and an assist as a result.
Alexandre Lacazette to Newcastle United—What will he bring to Eddie Howe’s side?
Newcastle United are currently reeling at the bottom of the table and remain the only Premier League side without a win so far this season. Keeping that in mind, it makes no surprise that the Magpies would be active during the January transfer window, with new manager Eddie Howe clearly needing reinforcements in every area of the pitch.
The Toon Army have the joint-worst defensive record in the division, which makes it clear for everyone to see where the club’s problems currently lie. In addition, Howe’s side could also do with a new striker having managed only 15 goals in 12 games.
In that regard, Arsenal’s Alexandre Lacazette would be ideal for Newcastle. Lacazette faces an uncertain future at the Emirates Stadium beyond the current campaign with his contract expiring in June, thereby, making him an appealing target on a knockdown price in January for the Magpies.
In Lacazette, Howe would get a hard-working, committed and clever striker whose pressing and off the ball work rate is phenomenal. The Frenchman is a solid goal-scorer, can drop deep to hold the ball and brings his teammates into the game and get into promising attacking areas to create opportunities.
His Arsenal record stands at 68 goals in 180 games in all competitions, which is quite impressive considering he’s mostly played second fiddle to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang over the last few seasons. Lacazette would bring his experience and know-how to a Newcastle side that is lacking any sort of energy and momentum at this moment in time. The ex-Lyon star can provide pace and finishing skills to go with his selfless attitude and work rate.
Thus, Newcastle could bolster their hopes of avoiding relegation by signing Lacazette from Arsenal in the New Year.