Arsenal hit roadblock in contract talks with experienced star

Arsenal have hit a roadblock in the contract negotiations with Alexandre Lacazette, according to L'Equipe.

The Gunners wanted to offload Lacazette this summer such that they would land a suitable replacement in the transfer market.

That did not happen in the end. The Frenchman has just nine months left on his contract, and he is set to leave on a free transfer.

Atletico Madrid are long-term admirers of the 30-year-old, and they were first interested in signing him in the summer of 2017.

Due to a transfer embargo, Lacazette ended up joining the Gunners from Lyon, but Atletico have continued to maintain an interest.

Diego Simeone is still keen on landing the marksman, and the club are likely to propose a pre-contract deal at the turn of the year.

Juventus and AC Milan have also been linked with the France international, but Atletico are deemed as clear favourites to sign him.

Lacazette has played just over 50 minutes for the Gunners this term, but he has been picked to start in the Carabao Cup third round tonight.