Premier League side Arsenal FC are reportedly preparing a £34 million bid for highly-rated Lyon striker Alexandre Lacazette in order to trigger his buy-out clause.
Arsenal are in the market looking for a quality striker to bolster their attack. Manager Arsene Wenger’s primary targets – Alvaro Morata and Jamie Vardy – have reportedly rejected the opportunity to move to the Emirates. In the wake of these snubs, Wenger has turned his attention to fellow countryman Alexandre Lacazette.
According to the Telegraph, the Gunners have indicated that they are willing to match Lyon’s asking rate of £34 million for their talismanic striker. No official bid has been lodged as of yet, but it is understood that Wenger will soon make an offer for the 25-year-old. It is also understood that the Arsenal manager, who is on punditry duty at the Euros, has used the opportunity of being in France to meet with the player’s representatives.
In May, fellow Premier League outfit West Ham had tabled a shock £31 million bid for Lacazette, which was abruptly turned down by the French club. According to Mark Ashenden of Sky Sports, Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas stated:
“For a sale to be made, all three parties must agree. We have refused several offers, the most important from West Ham for €40 million [£31m] and we refused it.”
Lacazette could provide the attacking flair that has been missing at the Emirates
The French striker has had a glorious season with Lyon, scoring 21 goals in 34 Ligue 1 appearances. His movement inside the opposition area is second to none. He is good with the ball at his feet, and is lethal in front of goal. Lacazette does fancy to have a go at goal from distance, posing an added threat from outside the box.
When compared to Arsenal attackers Olivier Giroud, Theo Walcott and Danny Welbeck, Lacazette’s goal return is a grade higher. Over the course of the 2015/16, the Lyon striker has also created more chances than Arsenal’s strike trio, and also accounts for greater long-range shots attempted. Even when pass accuracy is concerned, only Walcott (80 per cent) trumps Lacazette’s 78 per cent. Signing him would be a no-brainer for Wenger, as the French forward could add a lot of solidity to the Arsenal front-line.