Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas recently took to Twitter to deny there had been a deal agreed with Arsenal for striker Alexandre Lacazette, claiming the Gunners’ bid was under the asking price.
Le Progres of France reported that Lacazette was in London for his medical, citing that his deal to join Arsenal was all but done, reports the Metro. However, Aulas’ tweet suggests otherwise.
@OL @Le_Progres Fausses ls informations du Progrès:l'éventuel transfert d'Alex L celui ci n'est pas à Londres la1 ère offre était de 45 m€ !
— Jean-Michel AULAS (@JM_Aulas) July 2, 2017
Translated from French: “False progress info: The potential transfer of Alex (Lacazette) who is not in London. The first offer (from Arsenal) was £45m!”
Lacazette’s asking price is believed to be £50m this summer, but according to the club president Arsenal have yet to match it.
It contrasts a host of reports from the weekend that suggested the two clubs had agreed terms on a deal, meaning supporters may be forced to wait a little longer before this comes to a resolution.
But never fear, it wasn’t long before Aulas was back, chatting away as he likes to do:
Breaking | Lyon President Jean-Michel Aulas says Alexandre Lacazette to Arsenal deal won't be more than around €50m. More follows.
— Get French Football (@GFFN) July 2, 2017
Aulas told Le Progress that a deal could be complete in “one or two days”, adding: “The transfer [fee] will be between €45million and €50m. Being close to €50m is unique, and will probably be a record for Arsenal and Olympique Lyonnais as well.
“We will probably reach a new record, it’s not a small transfer, €50m for a player trained by our club.”
Arsenal are keen to sign the coveted French international, Lacazette is keen to leave the Parc OL for a side that can potentially challenge for major trophies and Lyon are happy to sell for his asking price.
A deal should still happen provided Arsenal meet Aulas’ demands and it is believed they will.