Arsenal plot Patson Daka transfer as Alexandre Lacazette replacement identified

Arsenal: Arteta tells Lacazette to focus on pitch

Arsenal have identified RB Salzburg frontman Patson Daka as a potential long-term replacement for Alexandre Lacazette, according to reports. The 22-year-old is one of the most highly-rated attacking prospects in European football, following his rise to prominence in Austria.

Daka arrived at Salzburg from Kafue Celtic in 2017 and helped the club win the UEFA Youth League after signing a five-year deal.

He began to show his promise last season when playing alongside Erling Braut Haaland and because the first Zambian in history to score in the Champions League

When Haaland and Minamino left for Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool respectively in January 2019, Daka established himself as Salzburg’s main man in attack.

He riffled home 24 goals in 31 matches in the Austrian Bundesliga and this season he has continued his impressive form netting eight in eight.

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Tottenham were admirers of Daka last summer and coincidentally, the player is represented by former Spurs striker Freddie Kanoute.

However, Jose Mourinho’s side turned attentions to Carlos Vinicius instead and now it’s their north London rivals Arsenal that are eyeing a move.

According to Gunners journalist Dan Mountney, Arsenal are targeting Daka this month as Lacazette’s long-term replacement.

Daka’s representatives 12 Management are keen to secure a Premier League move for their client.

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Salzburg are looking for around £20million before agreeing to a sale.

Liverpool have also held an interest in Daka and know all about his quality having faced him in the Champions League group stages last season.

He also scored a brace against Jurgen Klopp’s side during a 2-2 draw in pre-season.

As for Lacazette, the Frenchman is now in the final 18 months of his contract at the Emirates Stadium and his future remains unclear.

Juventus and Atletico Madrid have both held talks over a potential deal for the former Lyon man in the past year.

Arsenal are set to wait until the summer before deciding whether to extend Lacazette’s deal.

If he is part of Arteta’s plans the Gunners will want to avoid a repeat of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s lengthy contract saga which finally came to an end in September.

Lacazette has slowly forced his way back in Arteta’s side following a spell on the bench and recently bagged a brace in the 4-0 win at West Brom.

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