So the good news from this latest Arsenal transfer titbit is that the Frencg club Olympique Lyonnais are saying that they will sell their star striker to Arsenal, although they are certainly not going to let Alexandre Lacazette go on the cheap.
The bad news, in my humble opinion at least, is that the president of Lyon, Jean-Michel Aulas, is asking for our own France international forward Olivier Giroud as part of the deal according to a report by The Sun. The French club are not looking for a gift, apparently, and will include the sale value of Giroud as part of the Lacazette transfer which is likely to come to around £60 million.
If that is the price then I strongly suggest that Arsene Wenger pays it to get his man but he must also be tough with both Lyon and Olivier and stop the big man from going anywhere. Lacazette may turn out to to be the first choice over Giroud but then again he may not or it might take some time for him to settle.
I wouls be very wary indeed about releasing a striker with the proven ability of Giroud even if he has declared that he will not be happy with limited playing time next season. In fact I would say that the Frenchman’s frustration at being second fiddle to Alexis Sanchez led to his best form since he signed for Arsenal.
Wenger must say to him that he will play if he proves to be the best choice don’t you think?
Bob.