Aston Villa star set for imminent transfer as Steven Gerrard considers Arsenal move

Aston Villa have been linked with a shock move for Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette.

French forward Lacazette is out of contract at The Emirates at the end of the season and numerous clubs are reportedly chasing his signature.

And, according to Turkish outlet Sporx, Villa have joined Lyon and Besiktas in the race to land the 30-year-old on a free transfer.

Lacazette has scored three times in 16 appearances in the Premier League this season, and boasts a record of 44 in 153 in total since joining Arsenal from Lyon in 2017.

Sporx claims Lacazette is hoping to secure a salary of £5million per season, which Besiktas have thus far been unwilling to agree to.

Argentine ace Emi Buendia believes Aston Villa’s new style under Steven Gerrard is getting the best out of him.

Buendia’s influence at Villa Park is growing with one goal and two assists in his last seven Premier League appearances.

He bagged the club’s in-house player of the month award for January and the 25-year-old’s improved form led to him making his debut for Argentina in their 1-0 win over Colombia last week.

“It was a great month for me,” Buendia told Villa TV. “I'm feeling much better in the last couple of months. I feel in good shape and I feel comfortable with my teammates.

“It was a tough beginning but the adaptation is now quite settled. I’m really pleased and looking forward to what we’ve got ahead.”

Gerrard’s appointment has been key to Buendia’s growth in claret and blue after Dean Smith used the playmaker in a variety of positions in the early part of the season.

On working under Gerrard, Buendia added: “For me, I think I’ve found my best shape. Our style is brilliant for me. I really enjoy playing in this position and this structure. I