Arsenal Transfer News: Latest on Alexandre Lacazette and Michael Ciani Rumours

Arsenal target Alexandre Lacazette has reportedly turned down a new deal with Lyon, prompting speculation he could be set to leave the club as early as January.

French outlet L'Equipe reported as much (h/t football writer Kristian Sturt):

Sky Sports' Kaveh Solhekol shared details of the contract Lacazette has rejected—and believes he would have left the Ligue 1 outfit within a year even if he'd signed the new deal:

Per Sky Sports' Claire Corkery, the striker was a target for the Gunners over the summer.

Having failed to land him, Arsenal turned to Lucas Perez. Along with the Spaniard, Arsenal also have Olivier Giroud and Theo Walcott, while Danny Welbeck could return from injury before the January transfer window opens.

However, Lacazette is arguably an upgrade on any one of Arsenal's options. 

The 25-year-old netted 24 goals in all competitions last season and has kicked off this season in similarly prolific form, per WhoScored.com:

A pacey forward with a predatory instinct in front of goal, Lacazette could add a cutting edge the Gunners have lacked in recent years.

Perez might help in that regard, but the opportunity to sign a goalscorer of the Frenchman's pedigree should not be passed up—particularly when the likes of Giroud and Walcott are known for showing profligacy on occasion and Welbeck's best tally in a season is 12 goals.

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Meanwhile, per Goal's Nizaar Kinsella, free agent Michael Ciani has revealed his desire to sign for a Premier League club—with Arsenal being his ideal destination. He said: "I like the football in England, the mentality. I like everything. I have the physique to play there. I loved Arsenal growing up and always wanted to play in England so I think it is my time to play there."

The one-time French international terminated his contract with Espanyol after the club gave him no assurances as to his playing time.

Ciani has made just three appearances for the Spanish club since the start of last season, and as WhoScored.com revealed, he has hardly impressed whilst on the pitch:

The 32-year-old centre-back has had spells at Lazio, Bordeaux and Lorient during his career.

At Arsenal, he would be a sixth-choice at best after Arsenal brought in Shkodran Mustafi and Rob Holding this summer.

Even with the Gunners' injury record, it's unlikely he'd feature much at all at the Emirates Stadium—it's extremely unlikely Arsenal would consider signing him even for free.