Alexandre Lacazette could join Crystal Palace on a free transfer come the summer, 90Min claim. 

The lowdown

Lacazette's contract is due to expire at the end of this season, and as it stands, neither the club nor the player are said to be particularly keen on an extension.

If the Frenchman's situation remains the same in January, he'll be free to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with an overseas club.

Lacazette has made 173 appearances for Arsenal since he joined in 2017, scoring 67 goals and providing 29 assists (via Transfermarkt).

Manager Mikel Arteta hailed him as a manager's 'dream' last December after he came off the bench to score the winning goal away to Brighton and Hove Albion.

The latest

Lacazette is apparently 'open to the idea' of staying in London, with Selhurst Park a possible destination. West Ham United have also emerged as admirers.

The duo from the capital face significant competition from abroad, though. Ligue 1 outfit Lyon would like bring Lacazette back, while clubs in La Liga, Bundesliga and Serie A are also said to be in the frame.

The verdict

Lacazette would in theory represent a real coup for Palace given his CV, but there are reasons to doubt the wisdom of the deal.

First of all, his wages. He takes home in excess of £180,000 per week at present, and you'd imagine that would be a far greater burden for the Eagles.

And then there's the fact that Palace have only just signed a striker in the form of Odsonne Edouard. If he lives up to his potential, he could be the answer to the club's no. 9 problem.

He's only 23 years old, so more additions at the top end of the pitch may simply be unnecessary in the short-term.

In other news, Palace fans react as this blow emerges.