The Top Flight
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Are Arsenal feeling the pressure to buy Alexandre Lacazette?

By Rayna Sidhu

LISBON, PORTUGAL - JULY 23: Lyon's forward Alexandre Lacazette celebrates scoring Lyon«s goal during the Friendly match between Sporting CP and Lyon at Estadio Jose Alvalade on July 23, 2016 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images)
LISBON, PORTUGAL - JULY 23: Lyon's forward Alexandre Lacazette celebrates scoring Lyon«s goal during the Friendly match between Sporting CP and Lyon at Estadio Jose Alvalade on July 23, 2016 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images) /
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The Lyon striker has been a long-term target of Arsenal’s and the links grow stronger everyday. The Gunners are close to buying but need to seal the deal, as details could grow more complicated.

Lacazette, who scored 37 goals for Lyon last season, was originally linked with Atletico Madrid to replace Antoine Griezmann’s seemingly inevitable move to Manchester United. Atletico’s transfer ban this summer halted such discussions.

However, Lyon President Jean-Michel Aulas has today said that the club may still choose to sell to Atletico Madrid when their transfer ban is lifted in January.

"I do not intend to sell Alexandre quickly, because there is always the option of Atletico Madrid to signing him on January 1, 2018  – The Independent"

This recent statement, whilst probably truthful, may also be a way to increase the price for the striker in the hopes that Arsenal will pay more. Lacazette has been valued between £43-£52 million, with rumours suggesting that these recent comments have enhanced that figure to £57 million. The pressure to buy adds value as well as incentive for Arsenal.

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The Gunners have also been in talks with Lyon about the selling of Olivier Giroud. The two clubs seem keen on making a deal and this latest statement by Aulas could be a way to ensure it happens.

Arsenal do need a striker. Olivier Giroud is not the player he once was. Although he can be relied on as an impact substitute, he does not have the pace to sustain more than that. The likes of Danny Welbeck, Theo Walcott and Alex Iwobi are good but don’t necessarily have the potential to really carry the team.

Lacazette is a proven striker and would be a great addition to any squad. With the future of Alexis Sanchez uncertain as well, Arsene Wenger needs to ensure he has a player who can be relied on for goals – Lacazette is most definitely the man for the job.

Lyon are also reportedly in talks with Chelsea’s Bertrand Traore: a young striker who would develop well in the Ligue 1 side.  This again suggests that Lyon are readying to replace their star striker.

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The deal feels imminent so it seems that the Lyon President is trying to speed up the process and/or make a larger profit. Either way, Arsenal would only benefit from having Lacazette in their midst. They just need to guarantee it.

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