Arsenal FC have now entered the race to sign £45 million rated Olympique Lyon forward Alexandre Lacazette, having failed to convince Leicester City star Jamie Vardy to move to North London, if reports from the British media are to be believed.
Earlier this month, Arsenal had triggered the £22 million release clause in Jamie Vardy’s contract, in their attempt to bring the striker to the Emirates stadium. Vardy had an unforgettable 2015/16 season in which he scored 24 goals in the league – finishing as the second highest scorer – and helped the Foxes to win their first-ever Premier League title.
However, the 29-year-old decided to stay back at Leicester after Leicester City offered him an improved contract that would keep Vardy at the King Power Stadium for another four years.
After failing to entice Vardy to join the Gunners, Arsene Wenger has now turned his attention to his native France, in hopes of signing another quality forward.
Alexandre Lacazette has had long-time admirers within the top European clubs, having been linked with the likes of Manchester United and Liverpool in 2015. Recently, West Ham United had tabled a £40 million offer for the striker, who has scored 21 goals in 34 Ligue 1 appearances, in the past season. Arsenals are the latest club to join the race for the 25-year-old. Arsene Wenger is likely to hold a meeting with Lacazette’s representatives, according to the Daily Mirror.
Lyon, however, will hold the upper hand in negotiations as the Frenchman still has three years left on his current contract. The club from the ‘gastronomic capital of the world’ are said to have put a £45 million price on Lacazette, according to the Daily Mirror report.
Stiff competition for Lacazette
Arsenal are likely to face a stiff competition, from both England and Spain, in the pursuit of the Frech striker. Their cross-town rivals West Ham United are looking to improve their forward line after moving to the 60,000-seater Olympic Stadium, and are said to be interested in Lacazette.
Last season’s Champions League runners-up Atletico Madrid, who are looking for a replacement for the 32-year-old Fermando Torres, have also shown interest in Lacazette.