Barcelona are ready to pounce on Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette if their swoop for Antoine Griezmann falls flat, according to reports in Spain.
World Cup winner Griezmann is Barca’s No.1 target this summer as they attempt to freshen up their frontline this season, with Ousmane Dembele and Philippe Coutinho struggling at times this year.
The Atletico Madrid winger is said to have already opened a channel for talks when the window opens in July – his release clause falls from $200 million to $120m at the same time.
But Barca have got a high quality plan b ready to go if they fail to persuade long-term target Griezmann to the Nou Camp.
Gunners front man Lacazette is being lined up, with the Gunners placing a £60million price sticker on the Frenchman.
The north London club may be willing to lower the fee, if Barca can also offer up a player which they like – with Samuel Umtiti and current loanee Andre Gomes being touted.
Although, despite a good relationship between the two clubs, with the likes of Thierry Henry, Cesc Fabregas and Alex Song moving between the Gunners and Catalonia, the Gunners have no intention to sell Lacazette.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Lacazette has a “very close” relationship with Barca chief, and compatriot, Eric Abidal which may speed up contract talks.
Lacazette moved to Arsenal from Lyon two years ago in a £47m move.
He has netted 35 times for the outfit in 85 appearances, with 18 of them coming this campaign – with the Gunners in the hunt for a top four place in the Premier League and Europa League glory.
Lacazette has formed a close partnership with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang which has been key to Unai Emery’s plans.
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