Diego Simeone already has a plan B in case Griezmann’s transfer cannot be completed. Negotiations with Barcelona are not progressing well. The player has said that the only place he wants to go is Atletico, but this is not enough to facilitate negotiations between the clubs.

In case Griezmann’s return is not possible, El Cholo wants to bring the Gunner Alexandre Lacazette to the Wanda Metropolitano.

This is not the first time that Atleti wants to acquire the services of the French striker. In 2017, the club had already reached an agreement with the player. But the transfer ban imposed on the club by FIFA prevented the deal from going through.

Lacazette has had a decent spell at the Emirates Stadium, scoring 65 goals in his four seasons with the club. Last season he made 43 appearances in all competitions and scored 17 goals.

But for many, the player is not up to the standards expected of a Gunner striker. In fact, the player has never been seen as indispensable, and it is evident that boss Arteta has a preference for Aubemayang and Nicolas Pepe.

Several media outlets such as The Sun report that the Gunners have put Lacazette up for sale for around 17 million euros. An amount well below the more than 40 million they paid Lyon in 2017.

Lacazette’s price tag is attractive to Atleti, and they are already in negotiations to sign him.

Arsenal is desperate to get rid of Lacazette as the player’s contract expires in 2022. Therefore, if he is not sold now, he can leave at zero cost next season.

In addition, Lacazette is on the list of players with whom the club is trying to earn some cash to be able to finance new signings, such as Ben White, who already cost the club £50 million.