Arsenal Transfer News: Alexandre Lacazette, Romelu Lukaku Talks, Latest Rumours

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has reportedly held talks with both Alexandre Lacazette and Romelu Lukaku as he seeks to add a world-class striker to his ranks this summer. However, the Gunners' hopes could be dashed as Lukaku reportedly nears a "hefty pay rise" at Everton, per the Mirror's David Anderson.

According to the Sun's Daniel Cutts, Wenger has been in contact with Lyon, Everton and representatives for both Lacazette and Lukaku, with the latter said to be the Gunners' primary choice.

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The Toffees earlier placed a £65 million price tag on Lukaku, but Cutts reported the Merseysiders will be willing to accept a bid of £40 million, while alternative choice Lacazette would cost around £38 million.

Any hope to sign Lukaku could be ended, however, after Anderson reported the Belgian is "ready to commit" his future to Goodison Park and pen a new contract following businessman Farhad Moshiri's takeover.

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Arsenal were thought to be closing in on a deal for Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy before he departed for Euro 2016, and Cutts provided quotes from a club source regarding their move for a forward this summer.

Per the report, the source said: "Arsene is keen to get a new striker in as soon as possible but won't rush anything and overspend. Olivier Giroud is very much in his plans, but he wants to get someone in and was upset about losing out on Jamie Vardy."

Lukaku joined Everton from Chelsea for a club-record outlay of £28 million in 2014, and the Belgium striker netted 25 goals across all competitions for the Merseysiders last season.

However, the frontman struggled to maintain his scoring form at Euro 2016, and the Mirror's John Cross placed his faith in Arsenal incumbent Giroud following his impressive displays for hosts France:

Lacazette failed to make Les Bleus' final 23-man squad for the tournament, but Wenger is nevertheless thought to be impressed by a player who has netted 54 goals in his last two seasons with Lyon.

However, Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has moved to quieten speculation his forward could be on the move this summer, per Goal's Alex Young: "We had a few calls, but he will stay with us. The coach [Bruno Genesio] wishes to rely on him. And I also feel he wants to stay."

What's more, the Mirror's Ed Malyon noted that Samuel Umtiti's recent switch to Barcelona means Lyon are no longer in dire need to sell their star talent:

Arsenal failed to recruit any senior outfielders last summer, and Wenger has already gone one better than that by bringing Granit Xhaka in from Borussia Monchengladbach.

However, a star striker is still thought to rest highly in the club's list of priorities, with talks for Lacazette progressing, while a move for Lukaku could be in danger of collapsing amid talks of a new contract at Everton.