Arsenal ready to cash in on Lacazette this summer as Atletico prepare bid

Arsenal are ready to cash in on Alexandre Lacazette this summer as Atletico Madrid prepare to launch a bid for the striker.

The Gunners spent a club record £52million to sign the Frenchman from Lyon in 2017 but he's fallen down the pecking order at the Emirates this season.

Since Mikel Arteta replaced Unai Emery, Lacazette has often found himself on the substitutes' bench, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang preferred upfront.

The France international has a healthy goals return having found the back of the net 45 times in 114 appearances but a lack of consistency has proved his downfall.

Lacazette went nine games without a goal between December and January, though he did respond by scoring three in four games prior to the season being suspended.

But, according to AS, Arsenal are open to offers for the 28-year-old and that could pave the way for Atletico Madrid to firm up their interest.

Diego Simeone's side have struggled for goals this season, despite boasting Alvaro Morata, Diego Costa and Joao Felix in attack and believe Lacazette could solve their problems.

However, given Arsenal's £52m lay out and the fact he still has two years remaining on his contract, the Spanish club may have to spend big to secure his signature.

They will, however, be encouraged by Arteta's recent admission that the club may have to sell before they buy if they finish outside of the top four and miss out on a Champions League place.

With the club currently in ninth position in the Premier League and eight points adrift of fourth-placed Chelsea, it's unlikely the Gunners will mount a successful late push for a top four finish.