Arsenal transfer news: Lacazette, Dembele, Fraser, Sarr
Barcelona website profile of Alexandre Lacazette fuels rumours of summer switch to Camp Nou
The summer transfer window for Premier League clubs has opened for business - and the rumour mill is already in overdrive.
One of the most startling stories is the revelation that a profile of Alexandre Lacazette has been found on the official Barcelona website. The discovery is all the more surprising given that signings of players from other national associations can’t commence until the Fifa Transfer Matching System opens on 11 June.
Although it’s subsequently emerged that Barca’s website has many profiles of Europe’s top players, the disclosure has only added to speculation that the French frontman is set to quit the Emirates.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
The Daily Star says that French outlet Le 10 Sport has evidence that “Barca have approached the player’s management to assure him of their interest” - and Lacazette has done little to dispel the gossip.
Speaking to Telefoot recently, he said of the Barcelona rumours: “It is flattering.”
The Spanish champions are said to be eyeing Lacazette as an alternative to Atletico Madrid attacker Antoine Griezmann, who according to the French press is bound for Paris Saint-Germain.
Dembele scouted
Arsenal and Manchester United are both tailing Lyon striker Moussa Dembele, according to Football.London, which says the Premier League clubs sent their scouts to watch the 22-year-old in action in Lyon’s 3-0 win over Marseille.
Former Celtic striker Dembele came off the bench to score his side’s second goal, and his performance has further whetted the appetite of the Gunners.
United are believed to be in pole position, but it’s alleged that the young striker could snub the Red Devils if Arsenal win the Europa League and qualify for the Champions League next season.
Fraser farewell?
With the domestic transfer window now open, might Arsenal be about to make their move for Ryan Fraser?
The Daily Mirror reports that the Bournemouth winger is still on Unai Emery’s radar, and the Scot has increased speculation with an enigmatic post on social media after winning the Cherries’ Supporters’ Player of the Year award.
“Massive thank you to the fans for your support this season,” he wrote. “Also a thank you to my teammates for helping me through what's been a special season.”
The newspaper says that the post is being interpreted as a farewell message from Fraser before heading to the Emirates.
Sarr in the sights
Another name in the Arsenal mix, according to the Daily Star, is Rennes striker Ismaila Sarr.
The Senegalese marksman scored against Arsenal in the Europa League earlier this season and his form has impressed Gunners gaffer Emery.
With Lacazette mooted as a Barcelona target, it’s believed that Emery is considering Sarr as a replacement. Rennes will want £25m for the player, who has also attracted interest from Liverpool, Roma and AC Milan.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Why are home insurance prices going up?
Today's Big Question Climate-driven weather events are raising insurers' costs
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
-
'All too often, we get caught up in tunnel vision'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
2024: the year of legacy media failures
In the Spotlight From election criticism to continued layoffs, the media has had it rough in 2024
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
The Premier League's spending cap: levelling the playing field?
Talking Point Top clubs oppose plans to link spending to income of lowest-earning club, but rule could prevent success gap from widening
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Is a new English football regulator an own goal for the game?
Talking Point PM hails 'historic moment for football fans' but West Ham owner warns it could 'ruin' Premier League
By The Week UK Published
-
English football and the etiquette of leaving the stadium early
Talking Point The belief that 'true fans stay to the end' does not always apply
By The Week UK Published
-
2023-2024 Premier League predictions: champions, relegation and golden boot
feature A look at the top flight talking points and pundit picks for the new season
By Mike Starling Published
-
Man City: can ‘one of the best sides in history’ win the treble?
feature Guardiola’s Premier League champions have two more trophies in their sights
By The Week Staff Published
-
Premier League: Man City vs. Arsenal predictions
feature What the pundits say about tonight’s title race showdown at the Etihad
By Mike Starling Last updated
-
Antonio Conte leaves Tottenham after ‘extraordinary’ rant at players
feature After another year without a trophy, Spurs are now searching for a new manager
By The Week Staff Published
-
Liverpool 7 Man Utd 0: ‘welcome to Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool 2.0’
feature Anfield’s ‘new front three’ were on fire in the humbling of their bitter rivals
By Mike Starling Published