Lyon are set to bring back Alexandre Lacazette on a free transfer as the French side have an agreement with the Arsenal striker.
According to L’Equipe, Alexandre Lacazette is poised for a return to Lyon, as the French giants are set to announce the capture of the Arsenal striker on a free transfer. The Frenchman’s contract at Arsenal expires at the end of June, and the Ligue 1 side seemingly have an agreement with the forward.
Alexandre Lacazette is about to end his tenure as an Arsenal player, five years since signing from Lyon in a then club-record deal. The Gunners decided to pay £53 million for the striker back in 2017 and at that time, it seemed like a solid signing that could make the team stronger.
However, Lacazette never brought his prolific Ligue 1 form to the Premier League, although some of his performances for the club have been good. He developed into an all-around forward who likes to come in deep and link-up play for fellow attackers.
Arsenal were pondering offering him a new deal in the months leading to the season’s final games. However, with Eddie Nketiah overtaking him in the pecking order and leaving the Frenchman on the bench for the last seven games, the club decided to offer the 22-year-old a new contract.
The decision means Lacazette is free to leave the side and find a new club. After his dwindling form during the last few months at Arsenal, a return to France could be the best possible outcome for the forward. Recent reports suggested Rennes are interest in the striker, although now it seems like his former side Lyon may have won the race.
Lyon confirmed their interest in February, right after the January window slammed shut. President Jean-Michel Aulas reiterated his desire to see the striker return to the club but hinted they might not be able to afford his wages.
So considering that Lyon have seemingly agreed on personal terms with Lacazette, the striker has likely taken a massive pay cut to re-join the Ligue 1 side.
The move is particularly good for Lyon, who are in deep financial trouble. They are expected to sell some of their other players to raise cash and balance their books. A signing of a quality player like Lacazette certainly adds value to their squad, as he brings vast amounts of experience for no cost at all.
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An official announcement is all that is left to confirm the signing as various outlets more or less ran the story of the striker joining Lyon. He could prove to be a worthy signing for the French club while also being a good role model for many up-and-coming young players from the club’s stables.
