Arsenal to finalise deal for Lacazette as the player ready to snub contract extension
Jul 31, 2016 at 1:49 PM
It’s certainly a huge boost for the Gunners as according to the latest report from the Evening Standard, Lacazette ready to snub a new deal from Lyon.
Arsenal’s attempts to sign a new striker continue following their failed 29.4million bid for Lyon forward Alexandre Lacazette.
Chelsea, Liverpool also tried to lure the extremely talented France international but now it seems Lacazette in destined to join the Gunners.
Lyon reiterated this week that they do not intend to part with their in-demand striker so easily, with president Jean-Michel Aulas labelling the France international as “irreplaceable”, although reports today suggest Lacazette now has his heart set on joining Arsenal.
Earlier this week some reports from French media claimed Arsenal are ready to place a much-improved offer of £33.5m for Alexandre Lacazette.
Lacazette has netted 92 goals in 230 appearances for Lyon since his debut for the Ligue 1 side back in 2010 but the 25-year-old is now being heavily linked with a move to Arsenal.
On Tuesday, Lyon announced that they had rejected a £29m initial bid from the Gunners for the France forward as Arsene Wenger still digging deep into the market for attacking reinforcements.
Considering West Ham had an offer of £33.5m turned down for Lacazette in June, it’s hardly surprising that Arsenal’s lower bid was also rejected by the French side.
However, L’Equipe claimed the north Londoners are gearing up to test Lyon’s resolve yet again with a higher offer than the Hammers lodged last month.
Wenger is facing the possibility of having only one fit striker, Chuba Akpom, for his side’s opening fixture in the Premier League against Liverpool.
Supporters are crying out for the Frenchman to bring in support for Olivier Giroud – it remains to be seen if he gets any attacking deals over the line before the summer transfer window closes on August 31.
Lacazette has been inconsistent at times for Lyon, but an explosive end to the season has seen him confirm his status as a top striker.
The physicality of the Premier League wouldn’t be an issue for the Frenchman. But there are a few weaknesses to his game, including his consistency as he can go through a run of games struggling to influence the play.
He can also struggle aerially, but that would not be an issue if Arsenal signs him, as they like to keep the floor on the deck.