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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Mark Jones

Why Antoine Griezmann leaving Atletico Madrid could be bad news for Arsenal

Antoine Griezmann's looming departure from Atletico Madrid could have a knock-on effect on Arsenal , according to reports in the forward's native France.

Because there it is claimed - in an exclusive from Le10 Sport - that Atletico will look to replace Griezmann by signing his France international colleague Alexandre Lacazette from the Gunners.

Griezmann this week announced that he will be leaving Atletico this summer after five seasons in the Spanish capital, during which he's scored 133 goals in 256 appearances for the club, where he won the Europa League in 2018.

Barcelona are said to be the most likely destination for the World Cup winner, although Paris Saint-Germain are also rumoured to want to bring him to the nation of his birth, where he has never played professionally.

Lacazette could replace Griezmann at Atletico, it is claimed (AFP/Getty Images)

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Lacazette has also been linked with Barca, although only as a back-up to Griezmann should that deal not materialise, with Atletico now said to be monitoring the 27-year-old.

The former Lyon forward has just completed his second season at the Emirates Stadium, and was voted as the club's Player of the Season for 2018/19.

Lacazette has scored 36 goals in 87 appearances for Arsenal (AFP/Getty Images)

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Arsenal would not want to lose the 16-times capped international, who has struck up a prolific partnership with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang under the stewardship of Unai Emery.

He will be in the Arsenal squad that takes on Chelsea in the Europa League final on May 29, but if the Gunners lose that then they won't be playing Champions League football next season, unlike Atletico who will finish second in La Liga.

The Le10 Sport report also suggests that Diego Simeone's side are looking at PSG's Edinson Cavani as a potential replacement for Griezmann, although that is only likely to be in the event of Griezmann moving to Paris.

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