Arsene to wrap up Alex deal
ALEXANDRE LACAZETTE will sign a £44million, five-year deal with Arsenal within the next two days.
The Lyon striker, 26, has had his heart set on a move to the Emirates since rejecting West Ham 12 months ago.
Everton and West Ham will now make £20million moves to land Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud (below), at risk from his France team-mate’s arrival in World Cup year.
Lyon president JeanMichel Aulas has confirmed the deal will be complete in the next “one to two days.” Aulas added: “To be close to £44m is something unique, and will be a record for Arsenal and a record for Lyon.
“A club like Arsenal are not in the habit of spending so much for one player.”
Lacazette scored 28 times in Ligue 1 last season – only Edinson Cavani managed more with 35. He has netted 100 league goals in 203 appearances in the French top flight.
Wenger also fancies Monaco rising star Kylian Mbappe but faces a battle with Real Madrid to land the 18-year-old, who could cost up to £125m
Monaco boss Leonardo Jardim said: “I hope to keep the right players.
“But maybe it’s not always possible to keep the best.”