Arsenal star prefers Atletico Madrid over Barcelona

Heading into the summer window of 2022, Alexandre Lacazette is likely to be a wanted commodity. Out of contract with Arsenal at the end of the season, the 30-year-old Frenchman is being chased by several top clubs in Europe that include Barcelona and their La Liga rivals Atletico Madrid.

Having been with the Gunners since 2017, Lacazette has been a reliable goalscorer at the Emirates even though he has had his fair share of ups and downs. Last season, he finished as the club’s leading goalscorer, highlighting his pedigree at the highest level.

Considering his experience and the fact that he would cost nothing in transfer fees, the prospect of signing him would obviously appeal to Barca, who are going through a financial crisis.

With talks of Sergio Aguero’s retirement doing the rounds, a seasoned striker like Lacazette would also add value to the relatively young setup that Xavi Hernandez has at his disposal.

However, as per El Nacional, the Catalans efforts to sign the former Olympique Lyon man could prove futile as he has his hearts set on a transfer to Atletico Madrid.

The report states that Lacazette is looking to work under the management of Diego Simeone, having heard a lot of positives about the Atleti boss from ex-Barcelona star Antoine Griezmann. Furthermore, the Arsenal striker is of the belief that there is a stronger, more structured project in place at the Wanda Metropolitano currently.

To add to that, Lacazette also appreciates the fact that Atletico Madrid have been trying to sign him for a number of years now, most notably having failed in their attempts to snare him away from Lyon prior to his transfer to Arsenal.

So, even though he would have to battle the likes of Griezmann and Joao Felix for a starting berth, the 30-year-old prefers to join Los Rojiblancos over Barca, where he would have relatively lesser competition to get into the lineup.