Barcelona have identified Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette as an alternative target to Erling Braut Haaland this summer, Le10Sport claims.
The Blaugrana bolstered their attack midway through the campaign with Ferran Torres, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Adama Traore.
They are still said to be eyeing a new centre-forward this summer, and reports claim that Memphis Depay could leave as part of the reshuffle.
Borussia Dortmund’s Haaland has been constantly linked in recent weeks, but there is fierce competition to sign him this summer.
Amidst this, it is reported that Lacazette is the back-up target. The Blaugrana are ‘clearly positioned’ to sign him with his contract expiring in June.
Lacazette has struggled to score regularly this term with just three goals from 20 league outings. However, he has excelled with his link-up play.
The Frenchman has bagged seven assists, all from the start of December. It could be an attribute that may have caught the eye of Xavi Hernandez.
Lacazette has been the perfect foil behind a young attack. He has tended to bring the best out of them with his ability to pick key passes in the final third.
It may be a quality that Xavi is eyeing. The Spanish tactician is planning for the future with Torres and Ansu Fati regarded as potential starters out wide.
The 30-year-old is currently free to negotiate a pre-contract with a foreign club, but he may delay his decision until the end of the season.
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has refused to rule out a new deal for Lacazette. It could be a genuine possibility if the club secures Champions League qualification.
However, he may not be assured regular game time with the plans for a new striker. This could pave the way for a Bosman move to Camp Nou this summer.
