Arsenal have been supposedly targeting a new striker all summer, despite Arsene Wenger previously indicating that he was solely focused on defensive additions rather than in attack. Arsenal had been in a bid to sign Jamie Vardy before the Euros, whilst Morata, Janssen, Lukaku, Icardi and Higuain were all also linked, of course with no results.
It means that with just a few weeks before the closure of this summers transfer window, Arsenal are still without a new frontman, although rumours regarding Lyon’s Alexandre Lacazette refuse to lay down. A move had previously been on the cards after Arsenal made an opening bid, reportedly around the £29 million mark. However this was rejected outright, to no surprise may I add given that Bolasie has just joined Everton for a reported £30 million. It is unknown if Arsenal have made a second approach.
The player does however remain linked with the Gunners and what will give Arsenal fans a slight hope that we will see the Frenchman at the Emirates come the end of August, is that Lacazette himself is open towards a move away from Lyon.
Speaking in an interview with Canal+, Lacazette said: “If there are offers that can’t be refused, I’d like to not refuse them. But I’m very comfortable at Lyon.”
Based on that, despite suggesting he doesn’t mind if he remains at Lyon, you can tell the 25 year old striker hopes for get a move away. He’s spent his entire career in France so far and so must now be looking at the next stage, with Arsenal being a possible destination.
Lacazette scored a hat trick in the last Lyon game, whilst at the same time Arsenal were struggling against Liverpool. Although the Gunners didn’t struggle for goals against Jurgen Klopp’s side, Lacazette’s presence up front would have surely bettered that of having to convert Alexis for the afternoon. Will we see Lacazette in an Arsenal shirt before the window closes?
By AH