Despite Atletico Madrid’s transfer ban, Lyon striker Alexandre Lacazette could still snub Arsenal and move to the Vicente Calderon this summer.

  • Lacazette was set to move to Atletico before the ban was upheld
  • Atletico are hopeful that Simeone staying and Champions League football offered could convince him

Reports in Spain suggest that Atletico are still confident of signing Lacazette even after the Court of Arbitration for Sports upheld their transfer ban. The Lyon centre-forward previously stated his desire to play in the Champions League, someting Atleti boast but Arsenal don’t.

Lacazette’s move to Atletico would depend on his willingness to spend six months without playing during a World Cup year. Atletico could officially register the player in January 2018. The French international is reportedly happy to learn the language and acclimatise in the months off before eventually playing.

And with manager Diego Simeone staying at Atletico Madrid in their new stadium next season, the Lyon man has a lot of reasons to consider a move to Spain. Lacazatte doesn’t have many suitors either. Arsenal and Atleti are the only two clubs believed to have tabled a bid and the differences in the side’s fortunes of late would suggest he favours Atleti.