Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has confirmed that he has already begun making plans for a replacement for Arsenal target Alexandre Lacazette.
The French striker has confirmed previously that he wants to leave the club – a reality Aulas admitted to in an interview with AFP – and Arsenal are among the leading suitors for his signature.
Lacazette had come close to a move to Atletico Madrid earlier in the window but a transfer ban means the Spanish giants are unable to register any new signings until January.
That may leave Arsenal as the leading contenders for Lacazette’s signature, though a £44million bid has been rejected by Lyon.
However it appears that Aulas, whilst still hoping to keep Lacazette at Lyon, has begun to consider who could replace his club’s top scorer.
“Alexandre should have left for Atletico, but that could not be done,” Aulas said. “He wants to leave and we want to keep him, but the decision is not made.”
As to who might replace Lacazette the Lyon president added: “The case would obviously be the arrival of a player capable of scoring 25 to 30 goals per year. It will be a French international or a player of a very large European club.”
Arsenal transfer targets for summer 2017
Aulas’ comment would seem to hint at a move for Olivier Giroud, who he has previously hinted he would want to have as a makeweight in any potential deal for Lacazette.
Arsenal could be convinced to move on from Giroud, who has scored 98 goals for them over five seasons, but only if a suitable replacement could be found. Lyon would also face a challenge from West Ham, who are prepared to match the Frenchman’s £100,000-a-week wages and can offer the 30-year-old the chance to stay in London.
According to reports in France Lyon are also expected to sign Real Madrid striker Mariano though it appears unlikely that the Dominican international would be tasked with filling Lacazette’s void.
