France u21 assistant manager Gael Clichy has confirmed that Alexandre Lacazette is on their list of potential representatives for the summer Olympics.

Lyon's French forward #10 Alexandre Lacazette (L) celebrates with Lyon's French defender #20 Sael Kumbedi after scoring a goal during the French L1 football match between Olympique Lyonnais (Lyon) and Toulouse (TFC) at the Groupama Stadium in Lyon, central eastern France, on December 10, 2023. (Photo by OLIVIER CHASSIGNOLE/AFP via Getty Images)
Lyon’s Alexandre Lacazette (L) celebrates with Sael Kumbedi after scoring a goal during the French L1 football match between Olympique Lyonnais (Lyon) and Toulouse (TFC) at the Groupama Stadium in Lyon, central eastern France, on December 10, 2023. (Photo by OLIVIER CHASSIGNOLE/AFP via Getty Images)

France’s u21 side has a significant influence from former Arsenal players, with Thierry Henry managing the side and Gael Clichy acting as one of his assistants.

But according to Clichy, the team could be looking to bring another former Gunner on board for the 2024 Olympics in Alexandre Lacazette.

Though the Olympics is primarily an event for u23 teams, every team is permitted three overage exceptions.

Given this year’s event is in Paris, France are looking at some very experienced players to join their squad, including the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann, and Olivier Giroud.

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But Clichy claims Lacazette is also on the shortlist.

Lyon's French forward #10 Alexandre Lacazette reacts after missing a goal opportunity during the French L1 football match between Olympique Lyonnais (Lyon) and LOSC (Lille) at the Groupama stadium in Lyon, central eastern France on November 26, 2023. (Photo by ARNAUD FINISTRE/AFP via Getty Images)
Lyon’s Alexandre Lacazette reacts after missing a goal opportunity during the French L1 football match between Olympique Lyonnais (Lyon) and LOSC (Lille) at the Groupama stadium in Lyon, central eastern France on November 26, 2023. (Photo by ARNAUD FINISTRE/AFP via Getty Images)

“I see that he has a lot of playing time, I see that he is decisive and above all I see that he is a captain,” Clichy said (via GFFN). “He is a part of this list. Inevitably, there will be some surprises.”

32-year-old Lacazette has 18 goals and three assists in 29 games for Lyon this season. He last played for the French national team in November 2017, and his last appearance for the u21s was in October 2012.

But this summer could hand Lacazette a comeback for the Olympic tournament in his home country.

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 12: William Saliba of Arsenal celebrates as David Raya of Arsenal (not pictured) makes the match-winning save from the fourth penalty from Galeno of FC Porto (not pictured) in the penalty shoot out during the UEFA Champions League 2023/24 round of 16 second leg match between Arsenal FC and FC Porto at Emirates Stadium on March 12, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND: William Saliba of Arsenal celebrates as David Raya of Arsenal makes a match-winning penalty save on March 12, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

William Saliba is also reportedly on Thierry Henry’s Olympic shortlist, though the Mirror claim that Arsenal could refuse to release Saliba, as the Olympics isn’t recognised by FIFA.

Saliba fits the age limit for this tournament, as he was born after January 1st, 2001, so he’d make an experienced addition to the side without costing France one of their three overage slots.

But with France playing in the Euros between June 14th and July 14th, and the Olympics taking place from July 24th to August 10th, allowing Saliba to take part in both tournaments would mean he’d spend the whole summer playing football.

Arsenal would then have to allow Saliba to go on holiday during the first three or four weeks of the 2024/25 campaign. You can see why they might want to refuse.

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