Arsenal Transfer News: Alexandre Lacazette Latest, Anthony Martial Rumours

Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has revealed Arsenal will have to put together a package worth €65 million (£57 million) if they are to lure Alexandre Lacazette away from the club this summer.

The striker has long been linked with a switch to the Emirates Stadium, and reports have gathered pace lately about a potential move coming to fruition. Speaking to L'Equipe (h/t FourFourTwo), Aulas suggested Arsenal will have to match the money that was on offer from Atletico Madrid earlier this summer if they're to get their man.

"Everyone knows Atletico were going to pay €53 million plus a €12 million bonus," he noted. "That's €65 million. The Arsenal executives are well informed, they will have to be in that range."

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Aulas went on to note it would be "premature" to say any deal would go through, and there is no rush to sell on the club's part, as Atletico could make another move when their transfer ban is lifted in January.

Sam Wallace of the Daily Telegraph reported that Arsenal were making progress over a potential deal for the France international. Journalist Andrew Gibney believes they would be getting a wonderful footballer:

Indeed, in recent years Lacazette has made rapid progress and established himself as one of the most dangerous strikers on the continent.

The 26-year-old has blistering speed, sharp movement and can drop off the last line to link play, too. In practice, at least, he'd be the ideal man to add some dynamism to the point of the Gunners attack.

He'll also add goals. Per Squawka Football, the Lyon man has evolved into a prolific and ruthless finisher:

For Arsenal, Lacazette would be a fine purchase and a transfer that would excite the Emirates faithful. But Lyon are evidently unwilling to cash in for any sum less than the valuation aforementioned, meaning this deal may drag on for a little longer yet.

Anthony Martial Rumours

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According to Joe Bernstein of the Mail on Sunday, Arsenal will move for Manchester United's Anthony Martial should they fail in their ambitious swoop for Monaco sensation Kylian Mbappe.

The piece reported that Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is "obsessed" with landing Mbappe, although Real Madrid are the big favourites to get him on board. Martial is said to have been considered as an alternative, with Arsenal ready to pay £40 million for the United starlet.

"The Arsenal manager fears that [Jose] Mourinho would never agree to a deal because of the personal animosity between the two men," continued Bernstein. "Instead, the Gunners would ask for negotiations to be conducted above managerial level in the hope that United's board would regard it as financial folly to turn down big money for someone unlikely to be a regular starter."

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As noted, Martial fell down the pecking order at Old Trafford last season under Mourinho, prompting speculation about a possible move away.

Journalist Musa Okwonga feels as though the 21-year-old would benefit from a new start elsewhere:

Under Wenger, he would potentially blossom, and the thrust Martial can add in the final third would give the Gunners another brilliant attacking edge. Yet it would be a massive surprise if this one came off.

The Red Devils would not do business with a direct rival at the top of the table, while they will feel there is more to come from Martial. After a summer of recuperation, United will be hopeful he returns reinvigorated in 2017-18 and channels the talent he possesses to devastating effect.