Arsenal transfer stories are a bit like buses when it comes to the summer window, you sit around waiting and then a handful turn up all at once.
So what have we learnt in the last 24 hours? Well, if you were in any doubt that Arsene Wenger had given up on finding a striker, then you’d better check this out.
That’s because Ligue 1 side Lyon have released an official statement on the rumours surrounding Arsenal with a move for prized striker Alexandre Lacazette.
And if you haven’t managed to catch the news yet it’s a pretty big update that will please a lot of the Gunners faithful who have been crying out for a new man up top.
Having been released on their social media on Tuesday morning, Lyon have confirmed that Arsenal made an official €35m bid for the French international.
That roughly equates to £29m which they don’t deem to be enough money, and go on to mention that Lacazette is quite simply an irreplaceable figure at Lyon.
Communiqué du club ! #Mercato #Lacazette pic.twitter.com/mEKZvHAobx
— Olympique Lyonnais (@OL) July 26, 2016
Strong words that could warn off the Gunners to make another move for the man that’s been a part of Lyon since he was just 12 years old.
If we backtrack for a bit though, as good as Lacazette is rated he’s not an irreplaceable player for ability and I feel this is a blatant publicity trick to get more money for their man.
There is no mention of when that bid was made but The Telegraph believe it was towards the early end of summer, possibly a rebound offer after getting rejected by Jamie Vardy.
That’s what is most interesting in this deal, and the lull period that has been July could be enough for Lyon to raise interest again and tempt Wenger into offering more money.
In my opinion, the ball is now in his court and it would be difficult for Lyon to turn down anything above €50m for a man who is capable of so much more.
Not only would it satisfy the need for a top class striker to rival Giroud, but the #WengerOut period would also get a much-needed rest at the beginning of the season.
It’s a classic approach from the Gunners boss, bid low and gradually increase to ensure you don’t overpay for anyone. It’s a frustrating plan but it works (most of the time).
The 25-year-old has been playing as a top class striker in an underachieving team for too long now, and that’s why the interest from Premier League could be hugely entertaining.
It’s said that West Ham are also in for the forward but will struggle to increase their reported bid of €40m as they look for star players to fill their inherited Olympic Stadium.
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