Arsenal are starting to get answers on the availability of their number one target, Alexandre Lacazette, with The Telegraph stating he is keen on the move.
Despite Lyon’s attempts to scare off the Gunners by publicly stating they don’t intend to sell their star man, Arsene Wenger can’t afford to miss out.
In a desperate bid to hold on to the man that bagged them 21 league goals, Lyon have now offered the striker a new and improved contract extension.
That’s according to The Telegraph, who have taken a back seat on the Lacazette rumours to focus on the bigger stories that have a decent source behind them, so we’re taking this one seriously.
They believe that the 25-year-old is desperate for a move this summer, and although he’s not making his feelings known publicly, has his eyes on the Premier League.
Sources close to Lacazette told the British newspaper that he wants the move to the Gunners, but it looks as if that’s being blocked by the stubborn Jean-Michel Aulas, Lyon’s President.
Before Arsenal can even meet with the player, they are going to have to dust off the cheque book and pay big money for the forward, who can play in any one of Wenger’s forward roles.
Earlier this week we told you that Arsenal are lining up a second bid for the French international after the initial £29.7m offer was laughed off by the Ligue 1 side.
But now, in a last ditch attempt to get their man before the season starts, Arsenal will be expected to pay in excess of £42m to land a player of Lacazette’s status.
Lyon’s president recently stated that he isn’t expecting any more activity from the Gunners, but it’s his player that he needs to keep an eye on after revealing he’s keen on a move.
Whilst speaking to Telegraph Sport back in January, Lacazette admitted that there was a strong desire to play English football, and his future was uncertain at Lyon.
With that in mind, Lyon are now playing hard ball over their star man and in light of his feelings are quite frankly embarassing themselves with these statements.
This move will always come down to the needs and wants of the player, and when the time comes Lyon will want to get every single penny that they can.
They are well aware that Wenger needs a striker this season and they’re using that to their advantage to bump up the price tag, but this time the Arsenal boss must pay out.
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