Barca to repeat Arsenal ‘formula’ as Xavi gives ‘green light’
Barcelona are ready to repeat the successful ‘formula’ of signing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to land another Arsenal star.
The Catalans signed Aubameyang on a free transfer from the Gunners after Aubameyang fell out of favour under Mikel Arteta over a number of disciplinary breaches.
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The Gabon international has hit the ground running in La Liga, notching nine goals and an assist in his first 12 games for the club.
And now Fichajes (via Sport Witness) claim Barcelona will move for Aubameyang’s former strike partner Alexandre Lacazette, who is out of contract at the end of the season.
Recent reports have suggested Arsenal will offer Lacazette a short-term contract to remain with the club beyond the summer, but a Fichajes believe it’s more likely the Frenchman will leave this summer.
It’s claimed manager Xavi Hernandez has given the ‘green light’ for Barcelona to follow the successful ‘formula’ of signing Arsenal stars and move for Lacazette.
But the striker is enjoying his time playing under Arteta, who he claims has changed “everyone’s mentality” at Arsenal.
“We’re focused on being in the top four. We want to get the team into the Champions League next season,” Lacazette said.
“We work for it all week, and at the moment. It’s working. We want to continue like this, working hard every day to play well at the weekend.
“Arteta is the leader, the boss, even the boss of the club. Since he arrived, a lot of things have changed, including everyone’s mentality… It’s all about him.”
Speaking earlier this month, Ian Wright urged Arteta to extend Lacazette’s contract as the Gunners striker enters the final months of his contract.
Wright said: “His position is vitally important to everything we’re doing, just look at the two assists he had,” Wright said on the Wrighty’s House podcast. “Unless we get that person, you think to yourself, ‘maybe we could give Laca another year or two’.
“I think Laca has got to stay around, man. You can see with his little back flick, his back heel assist, his little assist. Man is feeling the vibe.”
