Just when you thought it was nearing completion, Arsenal have been told they will have to pay a staggering £60million to sign Alexandre Lacazette.
That’s according to a report from The Telegraph’s Chief of Football, Jason Burt, who has revealed that the Gunners high hopes of securing his signature have been crushed.
Lyon are beginning to play games with Arsene Wenger now, and although he was prepared to pay the original asking price of €50million, officials at the Ligue 1 club have changed their mind.
It’s believed that Lyon are willing to do anything to stop their star man from leaving this summer, and will meet with the 25-year-old on Thursday to offer a bumper contract.
But in a last-minute change of heart, Lyon are setting up a security process if the striker turns down the new deal in search of a move to the Emirates, which he’s dreamed of for a long time.
Not only will that tell Wenger that Lacazette wants the move, but if he does turn down the new deal it will give the Gunners boss only one option, pay the asking price to land a striker.
Arsenal have already been turned down by Jamie Vardy, Gonzalo Higuain and reportedly Mauro Icardi who was using the club as a way to get a better contract agreement at Inter Milan.
But with so many sides wrapping up their summer business, Wenger has left his timescale short and may have no choice but to pay way over the odds for the French international.
That fee has now jumped up to €70million, far more than what Wenger was expected to pay for a player that remains unproven on the highest international stage.
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