Dmitry Cheltzov, the agent of Arsenal forward Alexandre Lacazette, has revealed he offered his client to Zenit Saint Petersburg during the summer. France international Lacazette arrived at the Emirates from Lyon in May 2017 in a deal worth a reported £50million and has been a regular first-team fixture ever since, scoring 29 goals from 70 Premier League appearances.
The 28-year-old is currently out of action with an ankle injury, which he suffered in the 2-2 draw against Tottenham on September 1, but he is hoping to make his comeback in the clash at Sheffield United on October 21.
Arsenal brought in six new players during the summer window, with the biggest acquisition coming in the shape of Lille forward Nicolas Pepe, who cost a club-record £72m.
Brazilian forward Gabriel Martinelli also arrived from Ituano, adding to the attacking options, and there were suggestions Unai Emery could decide to allow one of his senior strikers to leave.
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Interestingly, Lacazette’s agent has confirmed he offered his client to Zenit, who baulked at the initial price they were quoted. “I offered Alexandre Lacazette to Zenit. Their sporting director Javier Ribalta said to me: ‘Are you crazy? His release clause is £61m,” he was quoted as saying by the Daily Mail. “I told him you can negotiate with Arsenal. I am sure they will be ready to accept something between £43m and £48m. His salary would be £7m after tax.”
It will be intriguing to see if the Gunners accept any potential offers that may come their way for Lacazette’s services in January.
Based on Cheltzov’s comment, Arsenal were willing to negotiate a lower price to sell the Frenchman and an exit could happen at the turn of the year.
There has been no comment from Lacazette in regard to his future at the Emirates although rumours are suggesting he would be tempted by a new challenge.
