Arsenal could use Alexandre Lacazette to help broker summer transfer
Arsenal: Arteta still confident of Europa League progress
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Arsenal star Alexander Lacazette has hit form at a perfect time for the Gunners as they chase a European spot in the Premier League. But Mikel Arteta could see his impact utilised better in the transfer window.
Arsenal could use Lacazette in the summer transfer window to convince Barcelona star Samuel Umtiti to make the move to the club.
The France international has had a tough time this campaign under Arteta amid talk he could leave the Emirates.
With a year left on his contract after this year, it remains to be seen whether Arsenal will renew his deal.
But Lacazette has seen a timely return to form for the Gunners in the Premier League – exhibited on Sunday night against Sheffield United.
The former Lyon striker scored twice in a 3-0 win to boost Arsenal as they look to get their season back on track.
They still ninth in the table but are now four points off seventh-placed Tottenham as they chase a Europa League spot.
However, the summer transfer window offers Arteta solutions going into next season – and Lacazette could prove pivotal.
If the 29-year-old is awarded a new contract, he could give back a player in return – by convincing Umtiti to make the switch.
The two are close pals from their time together at Lyon, as well as France, while the defender’s time at the Nou Camp looks like it has come to an end.
Injuries have ravaged his time in Barcelona but there is undoubted talent from the 27-year-old.
Arsenal have long been linked with the France international and are also in the market for a centre-back with David Luiz’s contract expiring in the summer.
Umtiti also has a trait that Arteta likes in his defenders – he is left-footed.
It means he is able to operate on the left-hand side of his backline and play out from the back, a tactic the Gunners coach likes to employ.
Reuniting with Lacazette at Arsenal could be the best use of the striker – rather than selling him for less than his market value to avoid losing him for nothing.
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