Arsenal have the completed the signing of long term target Alexandre Lacazette from Lyon for £45 million (up to £52 million with add ons). The Frenchman becomes Arsenal’s record signing, eclipsing the £42.4 million paid for Mesut Ozil in 2013.
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger had a bid rejected earlier in the transfer window and Lacazette appeared set to sign for Atletico Madrid. But after their transfer ban was upheld by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), Arsenal swooped in with an improved offer.
Lyon academy graduate Lacazette joins after his most prolific season in Ligue 1, netting 28 times and finishing second in the scoring charts behind Edinson Cavani.
After missing out on a place in France’s squad at Euro 2016, Lacazette will be hoping to continue his ruthless streak in front of goal to try and force his way into Didier Deschamps plans for Russia next summer.
The Gunners have been amongst a host of clubs linked with the Frenchman for several years, but have finally signed him at the age of 26.
For £45 million they have signed a player who averaged just under a goal every 2 games in all competitions with Lyon, with 11 caps for one of the most fiercely contested international squads in world football.
He will join compatriot Olivier Giroud, Alexis Sanchez, Danny Welbeck, Theo Walcott and Lucas Perez as attacking options for the Gunners, though many of those listed have been linked with moves away this summer.
Lacazette becomes the second new face at the Emirates this summer, after left back Sead Kolasinac was signed from Schalke. The Gunners continue to be linked with Kylian Mbappe and Riyad Mahrez, while reports have recently linked Giroud with a move to Everton. One certainty remains: transfer business is far from finished in North London.
Written by Sam Hanys.
