French giants Olympique Lyon are looking to make a summer move to land Arsenal star Alexandre Lacazette on a Bosman deal.
According to L’Equipe, Ligue 1 giants Olympique Lyon are looking to sign Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette when his contract at the Emirates expires in the summer.
Such a move would be a homecoming for the veteran striker who came through the club’s youth ranks before making his senior bow for the French side in 2010. Lacazette spent seven years in Lyon’s first team, chalking up an impressive 275 appearances while scoring 129 goals and making 43 assists.
A prolific scorer during his time at the Groupama Stadium, the 30-year-old was one of Europe’s most in-demand strikers in his pomp. Arsenal appeared to have hit the jackpot when they landed the player in the summer of 2017.
His time in North London has been a reasonable success. Lacazette has made 192 appearances for the Gunners, scoring 70 goals and making 32 assists. He has, however, failed to reach the heights expected of him. With his contract expiring in the summer of 2022, the Frenchman could leave the club for free.
Lyon appear keen to take him back and have reached out to the player’s representatives to gauge their interest. Lacazette continues to have a soft spot in his heart for his former side and has indicated in the past that he would like to end his career back home.
At 30, Lacazette is entering the final years of his career and could do with a change of scenery. His form appears to have stagnated at Arsenal, and there is little to indicate that he will pen an extension at the Emirates. He also seems to have lost his eye for goal and has struggled to deliver the goods on a consistent basis.
A return to familiar hunting grounds could be what the Frenchman needs to rediscover his best form. With the World Cup set to take place later this year, he could even make a late punt to be included in the French squad as they seek to defend their crown. While that would take some doing, it is not outside the realms of possibility.
Arsenal are currently a team undergoing a rebuild and unless massive investment is made in the summer, they could struggle to stay relevant at the top of the table. Lacazette could be well-served by seeking a fresh challenge back home. Lyon have fallen down the pecking order themselves, and it remains to be seen if the prodigal son’s return is what is needed to see them improve their fortunes.
