Arsenal to hold talks with Lacazette over future amid Atletico Madrid interest

Arsenal plan to hold talks with striker Alexandre Lacazette over his future at the club with Atletico Madrid circling, claims ESPN.

Lacazette is not gunning for a move away from Arsenal but wants to know where he features in Mikel Arteta's long-term plan for the club.

The former France international has struggled to nail down a role and position at Arsenal ever since the arrival of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang six months after he joined the Gunners in the summer of 2017.

Lacazette's future is also directly linked to Aubameyang's, who is free to leave Arsenal this summer if the club recieve an acceptable bid.

Arsenal are determined to avoid Aubameyang leaving the club on a free transfer when his contract expires at the end of next season, which means offloading him this summer if he does not renew.

While Arsenal accept they may lose one of Aubameyang or Lacazette this summer, they are adamant both will not leave in the same windo.

With Aubameyang the easier of the duo to shift without losing the other, it's likely Lacazette will spend at least one more season at Arsenal but all parties are keen on clarity heading into the summer.

Nevertheless, Atletico are monitoring Lacazette's future with a view to making a move for the striker after missing out on his signature three years ago due to a FIFA-imposed transfer ban.

The 29-year-old has been limited to just 15 starts and a further five appearances from the bench in the Premier League this season and has returned seven goals.