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The 29-year-old forward had his worst season to date in front of the Gunners’ goal last season, scoring just 12 goals in all competitions, and Mikel Arteta is open to selling the forward to raise funds for more summer signings.
Atlético de Madrid are closely monitoring the situation after missing Lacazette when he was at Lyon in 2017 and recent reports suggested they are prepared to offer three of their players, Thomas Lemar, Ángel Correa or Vitolo, in exchange for the Frenchman.
However, Lacazette splashed cold water on rumors of a possible exit last month and assured fans that Arsenal were his ‘dream club’.
“I am happy with my career because I played for Lyon, my club since I was a child,” he said before Arsenal’s victory in the FA Cup final over Chelsea.
‘I played for Arsenal, the club of my dreams in the UK.
“I am still happy with my career, but obviously I would love to win more trophies and this may make me happier on my Arsenal journey.”
And shortly after Arsenal’s preseason clash with Aston Villa on Saturday, Lacazette dropped another possible clue that he hopes to stay in North London for the next season.
‘A word. STAY, ‘lacazettesquad’ from the Arsenal fan account responded to the attacker’s post on Instagram after the friendly.
Lacazette responded with a cheeky wink emoji that many followers in the comment section took as a sign that he was staying.
A Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang brace could not prevent the Gunners from losing their closed-door game with Villa at the Emirates this weekend.
Goals from Douglas Luiz and Jacob Ramsey (2) sealed the victory for the visitors when Willian made his first appearance for Arsenal.
Arteta gave Mesut Ozil his first competitive match since March and Dani Ceballos was also out after completing his second consecutive loan spell from Real Madrid earlier this week.
Ceballos said he “ never had any doubts ” about returning to Arsenal this summer, despite receiving offers from Madrid and other La Liga clubs to stay in Spain for the next campaign.
“I am very happy to be back at Arsenal. I am very happy to have returned to a club where I feel important,” the Spanish midfielder told Arsenal’s official website.
“It is true that I had other options, such as staying at Real Madrid and returning to the Spanish league, where there were teams interested in me.
“I spoke to the manager last year, before the FA Cup final, and I told him that I wanted to stay at Arsenal and win titles. He was very happy with what Mikel had built at the club since he arrived.
“I had a great time at this club last season and I never had any doubt that I wanted to come back.”
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