On-off, on-off, on-off – our pursuit of Lyon striker, Alexandre Lacazatte is getting more than a little tedious now.
To get yourself up to speed, you can read our latest roundup of the Lacazatte to Arsenal transfer saga here.
The gist appears to be that he wants to leave, although this hasn’t been confirmed, just rumoured, but now the Ligue 1 club’s manager, Bruno Genesio, has confirmed that Lacazette will be staying with Lyon.
“Last week, I gave Alex a little heat because he did two or three strange things in training,” he said.
“He responded to me in the best way (by scoring) even if he could have scored twice, because in the first half he also had a chance with his head.
“It is good for his confidence. He was also impressive in build up. Whether that was going forward or during his hard work when the team did not have the ball.
“It is important for him and for the group. I do not think he is at all affected by this period and the noises around him.
“In any case, he will stay at Lyon.”
Before we all panic, it’s unlikely that the manager will just come out and say that he’s leaving. If they’re going to get rid of one of their best players during the second half of last season, it’ll come at a cost and they want the highest price possible.
It is entirely likely that he’s just bluffing, especially knowing that Lacazette perhaps does want a transfer to Arsenal.
Sky Sports are still reporting that we’re after the 25-year-old, so Genesio’s comments obviously haven’t caused huge waves.
Saying this, he could be completely right and we could already have moved on or he could be going to PSG. Although, according to L’Equipe writer, Bilel Ghazi, PSG aren’t willing to pay his full asking price now.
According to @BilelGhazi of L'Équipe, PSG are unwilling to meet Lyon's €50m asking price for Alexandre Lacazette. pic.twitter.com/NryVMe0yp6
— Messi Minutes (@MessiMinutes) July 25, 2016
However, Napoli are apparently about to try and sign him. Sigh.
.@DiMarzio confirms reports from @Gazzetta_it: Napoli to target Alexandre Lacazette & Corentin Tolisso in the coming days.
— Get French Football (@GFFN) July 23, 2016
Only time will tell.
