It turns out that mortal enemies Arsene Wenger and Ivan Gazidis weren’t actually in Nice last week to sign Monaco’s Kylian Mbappe, they were there for Alexandre Lacazette.
- Arsenal get massive boost as Lacazette declares Champions League not a dealbreaker
- Liverpool to rival Arsenal, meet Lacazette’s representatives this week
- Arsenal open talks for Lacazette
- Wenger and Gazidis fly to south of France for talks with Lyon president
When Wenger and Gazidis were snapped in Nice last week, fans and the media immediately had one player in mind that they could be there to sign: Mbappe.
Arsenal had reportedly just made a bid of £87m, which Monaco promptly rejected, but appeared to be showing real interest in the 18-year-old striker.
Wenger & Gazidis in Nice, France on weekend. #afc pic.twitter.com/pslDwUeXS3
— Sam (@samuelJayC) June 5, 2017
However, it’s now emerged that they were allegedly there to start talks with Lyon president, Jean-Michael Aulas, over Lacazette.
Arsenal allegedly bid just over £30m for the 26-year-old last summer, which the Ligue 1 side rejected, and are reportedly set to return this year with an offer of £50m.
Last season, Lacazette scored 37 goals in 45 appearances over all competitions.