Arsenal Transfer News: Latest on Alexandre Lacazette, Sofiane Boufal Rumours

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is reportedly set to meet with Lyon striker Alexandre Lacazette's agent, amid interest from West Ham United and Atletico Madrid. Meanwhile, Lille starlet Sofiane Boufal is said to have caught the eye of the Gunners, Chelsea and Southampton.

According to the Daily Mirror's Steve Stammers, Lyon have already rejected a £42 million offer from West Ham for Lacazette, who has three years left on his current deal. After two prolific seasons in the French Ligue 1, the Frenchman is expected to leave his current club to take the next step in his career.

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Lyon are said to value their star at £45 million, and following the expected sale of centre-back Samuel Umtiti to Barcelona, they'll have the financial strength to hold out for their full valuation, per Stammers.

Here's a look at why the club feels he's worth such a lofty sum:

The 25-year-old has established himself as one of the best goalscorers in football in the last two seasons, scoring 48 goals in Ligue 1 in that span, per WhoScored.com. Comparisons with former Arsenal star Thierry Henry are frequent and mainly centre on his instincts inside the box and ability in open space.

Arsenal are in the market for a new striker after they couldn't convince Leicester City star Jamie Vardy to leave the Premier League champions for an adventure in north London, so signing the Lyon man may be the next best thing.

Atletico also have the financial might to make a move for Lacazette, but between current starters Antoine Griezmann and Fernando Torres, and talented youngsters Luciano Vietto and Angel Correa, their need to add to their attack may not be as big.

Per L'Equipe (h/t Bleacher Report's Jonathan Johnson), Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain are also keeping an eye on the situation:

West Ham are thought to be Arsenal's main competitors for his signature. The Hammers will want to make a big statement in the summer transfer window to go with their move to a new stadium, and backed by the Premier League's tremendous financial might, they should have the cash to meet Lyon's asking price.

An immediate starting position would likely await Lacazette, but a lack of UEFA Champions League football would work against their bid―a disadvantage the Gunners don't have.

Bleacher Report's Dean Jones also reported Lacazette simply isn't that keen on a move to east London:

There's little doubt Lacazette would present more of a scoring threat than current Arsenal forward Olivier Giroud should he join, although it is worth noting Giroud is currently France's starter at UEFA Euro 2016, while his compatriot wasn't even selected for the team.

Elsewhere, French daily L'Equipe (h/t Daily Express' Jack Staplehurst) reported Southampton have made contact with Lille regarding Boufal, who broke out in a big way last season and would reportedly be available for less than £25 million.

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Per the report, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool are all following the 22-year-old, who has also talked with European heavyweights Barcelona, according to his agent.

Here's a look at what Boufal can do on the pitch:

The versatile attacking midfielder, who can also play as a winger or forward if needed, will remind some of current West Ham star Dimitri Payet with his movement and ability to distribute in the attacking third.

As shared by WhoScored.com, his ability with the ball at his feet is impressive:

With Southampton, Boufal would likely be an immediate starter, a role he would have to battle for at the Emirates Stadium, and with Sadio Mane perhaps leaving the club, Saints shouldn't have any problems coming up with the necessary cash, per Staplehurst.

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