Jump directly to the content
SPLASHING THE CASH

Arsenal set to sign Lyon star Alexandre Lacazette this weekend for club-record fee

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger knows he must stump up £57million to land the France striker this summer

ARSENAL are close to securing a £45million deal for Lyon star Alexandre Lacazette, and the signing could be announced later this weekend.

Arsene Wenger received a massive boost in hunt for the Frenchman when the Ligue 1 side’s president revealed the striker is determined to leave.

Arsenal will have to pay £48.7m plus £10.6m in add-ons for Lyon's Alexandre Lacazette

Reuters
7
Arsenal will have to pay £57million to land Lyon’s Alexandre Lacazette

It appears Arsene Wenger needs a replacement for Alexis Sanchez

PA:Press Association
7
It appears Arsene Wenger needs a replacement for Alexis Sanchez

Wenger now appears to have a clear run at landing him after a move to Atletico Madrid fell through.

The French club’s president has previously admitted to receiving a “very nice” over from Arsenal for the striker.

And now Jean-Michel Aulas says that he is preparing for Lacazette’s exit – but will only let him leave if he can find a replacement.

Aulas said: “Alexandre should have left for Atletico, but that could not be done.

“He wants to leave and we want to keep him, but the decision is not made.

“The case would obviously be the arrival of a player capable of scoring 25 to 30 goals per year.

Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas always has plenty to say

Getty Images
7
Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas always has plenty to say

“It will be a French international or a player of a very large European club.”

Aulas has consistently changed his tune through the Lacazette saga.

Just days ago – despite signing Bertrand Traore from Chelsea – he claimed Lacazette would not be sold.

But now Aulas appears to have softened his stance over his willingness to hold onto Wenger’s long-term target.

Arsenal have made a 'very nice' offer for Alexandre Lacazette, according to Lyon's president

AP:Associated Press
7
Arsenal have made a ‘very nice’ offer for Lacazette, according to Lyon’s president

Alexandre Lacazette had agreed a deal with Atletico Madrid before it fell through

Reuters
7
Lacazette had agreed a deal with Atletico Madrid before it fell through

Lacazette, 26, had been targeted as a replacement for Antoine Griezmann at Atletico Madrid – until the fellow France international signed a new five-year deal.

Atletico have a transfer ban until January, so Lacazette would have to wait to play for the Rojiblancos.

The player wants Champions League football – which Arsenal can’t offer.

And, should the Gunners come back in, Lacazette would then have to decide on whether he could handle at least a season away from elite European action.

When Aulas claimed he’s received the offer – believed to be around £30m – he was confident Lacazette would stay at the club.

He said “Lacazette was told he could leave.

“We now have a very nice offer from Arsenal. But for us he will not leave.”

Alexandre Lacazette and Antoine Griezmann have both been the subject of transfer rumours

Getty Images
7
Lacazette and Antoine Griezmann have both been linked with moves

Alexandre Lacazette has taken a step closer to a move to Arsenal

Getty Images
7
Alexandre Lacazette has taken a step closer to a move to Arsenal

Lacazette has been sensational for Lyon, having scored 129 goals in just 275 games for the Ligue 1 club.