Arsene Wenger isn’t holding any grudges after missing out on signing Jamie Vardy, with talks set to be held with a top targets agent this week.
Reports have broken today suggesting that the Gunners are ready to battle West Ham for Lyon forward Alexandre Lacazette in a deal that could reach £45million.
It seems Arsenal are linked with the French international every summer, but having made his desires very clear from the Vardy bid, Wenger is now on the hunt for a quick and quality player.
According to a report in The Mirror, Wenger is preparing to meet with the 25-year-old this week with regards to a permanent move to the Premier League.
Due to Lacazette missing out on a spot in France’s 23-man squad for this summer’s Euro’s, the deal could be wrapped up quickly with him currently free to negotiate terms.
That will all come down to whether or not Arsenal can deal with the competition of West Ham, who have big plans to bring silverware to their new home at the former Olympic Stadium.
Arsene Wenger is currently working out in France as a pundit for Bein Sport, and is on high alert for updates in the forward area as Arsenal look to get over the Vardy fiasco quickly.
With Danny Welbeck set to miss at least nine months of action, Olivier Giroud stands as the only out-and-out first team striker at the club, which fans aren’t happy about.
However, activating the £20m release clause of Vardy shows the fans that Wenger wants an established striker inside the Emirates ahead of the pre-season tour to America.
Lacazette still has three years left on his contract which is why Lyon are reluctant to let go of their top goalscorer for less than £45million, a fee that Arsenal can afford to pay.
Arsenal’s desperation for fresh blood in the attacking lines could outweigh any fee thrown at them, and if the reported talks with his agent go well, the Lacazette could have a decision to make.
Having bagged 72 goals in 172 appearances he’s certainly a player that has shown what he can do in Ligue 1, but sentimentality could be a factor that yet again could ruin the Gunners chances.
Lacazette has been with Lyon since 2003 having played with their youth academy, so is he ready to throw all of that behind in search of Premier League glory?
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