Arsenal have been linked with Alexandre Lacazette for so many years now that he has gone from being a highly rated teenage prospect, to a 25 year old player still playing his trade in France. That is not to knock the French striker, but things haven’t exactly turned out the way that they were supposedly expected to, according to the media reports over the years anyway.
But now perhaps this summer is Arsenal best chance of landing their man, because despite Lyon still wanting to hold on to their attributed striker, it seems that Lacazette himself may be looking for the exit door. West Ham have reportedly had two bids rejected already and are supposedly no longer interested in signing him, whilst Arsenal have been quoted a £45 million price tag according to the media. The extortionate fee will surely be enough to put Wenger and co off a deal, however perhaps there is more in the pipeline than we think.
Lyon players have been returning to the training camp this week, in order to begin their initial training ahead of pre season and one player who wasn’t anywhere to be seen, was Alexandre Lacazette. The player wasn’t seen present in any of the training sessions nor the official photos, sparking speculation that perhaps some deal for the Frenchman is in the pipeline.
There are of course a few things to point out from this, the first being that Lacazette could simply be on an extended holiday break. He was expected to make the France squad for the European Championships in his home nation this summer, however was left out in favour of the whole host of talent that the France squad holds. He therefore may have not been expected to return to training until after the Euro’s and since he never went, Lacazette may have taken the time off to take a break away from football.
Secondly even if he isn’t on an extended holiday break, his lack of presence at training does not necessarily mean a deal with Arsenal is in the pipeline. Although rumours have been consistent over the past week in linking Lacazette to Arsenal, there are a few more clubs also linked with the striker, including North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur and so perhaps a deal is being made elsewhere.
We have seen in the past how transfer developments have been leaked to the media inadvertently in this kind of way, but do you think that this is one of those cases? Is Lacazette on his way to Arsenal?
By AH