Arsenal closing in on £50million Alexandre Lacazette transfer

Arsenal are reportedly closing in on the transfer of Lyon striker Alexandre Lacazette in a £50million deal that is likely to push Olivier Giroud out of the club.

The Gunners have long been linked with a move for the prolific Frenchman, who scored 37 goals in all competitions last season to establish himself as one of Europe’s top forwards.

Lacazette was also a target for Arsenal last summer as they saw a bid rejected by Lyon, but the Ligue 1 giants are now ready to cash in on him.

Chelsea youngster Bertrand Traore is close to finalising a move to replace Lacazette at the club, paving way for the 26-year-old to move to the Emirates Stadium.

This deal could also mean movement out of Arsenal, with Olivier Giroud now likely to make the £20m switch to fellow Premier League side West Ham, according to The Sun.

Arsenal face a tricky summer in the transfer market as Alexis Sanchez continues to be strongly linked with Manchester City, and Lacazette’s arrival could help remedy the other potential departures.

Lyon themselves are also planning other spending, with City defender Eliaquim Mangala a £20m target for the French giants as they plan to rebuild ahead of next season.