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Arsenal to seal £45m signing after star completes medical
Alexandre Lacazette is set to complete his move to Arsenal as the BBC claim the striker has completed his medical ahead of a transfer from Lyon that will cost at least £45m.
Lacazette has been strongly linked with a move to the Emirates in recent weeks after he emerged as Arsene Wenger’s prime striker target following the collapse of his proposed move to Atletico Madrid.
We’ve seen intense speculation in the media over the past month with the BBC reporting that negotiations have been continuing between the two clubs after Arsenal’s initial offer was rejected.
A breakthrough was finally reached and Lacazette flew in to London today to undergo his medical after Arsenal struck a deal that will see us pay Lyon an initial £45m – although the fee could rise to £52m depending on various add ons [via the BBC].
That deal would represent a record transfer for Arsenal as it will eclipse the £42m we paid Real Madrid for Mesut Ozil in 2013 so it’s certainly a strong statement of intent by Wenger.
Arsenal are keen for Lacazette to be ready for our pre-season tour of Australia – which kicks off next week – and the deal could even be officially announced this evening.
So it looks as though Arsenal are set to wrap-up our second signing of the summer following the arrival of left-back Sead Kolasinac from Schalke and I think Lacazette will prove to be an excellent addition.
The French international banged-in 37 goals for Lyon last season and has been one of the most prolific striker’s in Europe over the past three years so he’ll certainly provide a genuine goal-threat up front.
The 26-year-old has pace, is good with the ball at his feet and is obviously a terrific finisher so he’ll be a big upgrade on Danny Welbeck but I really hope we see Olivier Giroud stay at the club.
Giroud offers something different to any other player we have in the squad and it’s important we have variety on the bench so fingers crossed Wenger is able to persuade him to stay despite the impending arrival of Lacazette.