Arsenal officials have been given a major boost today, after it was revealed one of their primary targets would be allowed to leave this summer.
The Gunners have been chasing Lyon’s Alexandre Lacazette for the last three seasons, but the Ligue 1 side continued to play hard ball on the financial front.
However, in an his latest interview (transcribed by the Daily Mail), Lyon’s president Jean-Michel Aulas admitted he wouldn’t stand in the star strikers way.
Reports last summer confirmed that Arsenal had placed a bid in the region of £30m for Lacazette, a player that has bagged 20+ goals in three consecutive campaigns.
Arsene Wenger is a huge admirer of the Frenchman and with the right financial backing, could head back into the market to try and finally land his man.
Aulas stated that it will ultimately rest with the player, but this is a guy that will want to ensure he gets the right price for the clubs top goalscorer.
Alex had a good option with a club that is in his heart. If the club of his heart is able to match out demands, things will go well. Otherwise it will depend on our other business.
If any players feel that this club is not big enough for them, we will look to others who are just as strong but have the right mentality as well.
From what he’s saying here, it looks as if Lacazette’s heart just isn’t with the club he graduated as a professional from and wants to start a new challenge.
At 25 he still has his best years ahead of him and there’s no reason to suggest he’s going to slow down in the Premier League and it’s clear to see he’s got big aspirations.
Whether they lie within the Europa League is another thing to consider, but if there’s anyone that can convince Lacazette to join it’s Arsene Wenger.
The Arsenal board have promised to spend big even if the club finds itself outside of a Champions League place, and Lacazette would be the perfect way to lift our heads.
Want more Arsenal transfer updates like this? Make sure you’re following us on Twitter and Facebook!