Lyon president Jean-Michael Aulas has denied that Alexandre Lacazette will leave the club this summer, contrary to reports that Arsenal were close to agreeing a £44m deal.

• Arsenal were hoping to complete a deal for Lacazette this week
• Aulas is giving a daily opinion on the deal
• He’s played down a move for Olivier Giroud as well

You know there’s something going on with Lacazette when Aulas is talking about it on a daily basis. The Lyon president is a tough negotiator and employs a number of media tactics to make his position look strong.

In his latest comments, Aulas has played down the chances of Lacazette leaving Lyon, reports the Express: “I do not think that Alexandre Lacazette will leave this summer.”

Aulas also commented on Lyon’s chances of signing Olivier Giroud. “I do not have anything to say about Olivier Giroud. We’re interested. Things haven’t advanced.”

Arsenal were reportedly close to agreeing a deal for Lacazette at the beginning of the week, but it now seems agreement is still a ways off.

Lyon have confirmed the signing of forward Bertrand Traore from Chelsea and are close to bringing in striker Mariano Diaz from Real Madrid. On the surface, at least, it does seem as if they’re preparing for Lacazette’s departure.

But Aulas has always been bullish about the future of the Frenchman and will remain so until Arsenal pay what he wants.