Arsenal’s pursuit of Alexandre Lacazette received a boost with Lyon owner, Jean-Michel Aulas, confirming the club is in negotiations with Chelsea over Bertrand Traore.
The 21-year-old striker spent last season on loan at Ajax, scoring 13 in 35 appearances for the Dutch giants. Two of them came in the Europa League semi-final against Lyon, in which Ajax triumphed narrowly 5 – 4 on aggregate.
The Evening Standard reports Aulas as declaring that it is Lyon’s intention to sign the Burkino Faso international on a permanent deal. “Advanced talks” were under way with Chelsea but Traore was attracting interest from other clubs.
Arsenal will be hoping that Chelsea and Lyon agree terms quickly, paving the way for a deal to be struck with the Ligue Un side over Alexandre Lacazette.
Aulas was contradictory on the French international’s future. Having claimed Arsenal had submitted an offer, he subsequently denied that was the case. The only club who had shown any interest in Lacazette were Atletico Madrid and that was dead in the water, thanks to their transfer ban.
With a reputation for being a tough negotiator, Aulas’ stance is hardly surprising. Arsenal’s summer is descending into turmoil with no clear signs on the future of Alexis Sanchez or Mesut Özil, Arsène Wenger is under pressure to deliver top quality replacement(s).
While the Gunners interest in Kylian Mbappe is well-documented, Real Madrid are clear favourites to sign the French starlet, if he decides to leave Monaco.
