Lyon are plotting new deal to keep Alexandre Lacazette away from Arsenal
Arsene Wenger could lose out if coveted French striker becomes Ligue 1 club's highest-ever paid player
LYON are desperate to extend striker Alexandre Lacazette's contract to keep him away from Arsenal's clutches.
Arsene Wenger has already bid £29million for the 25-year-old Frenchman and has been told he must stump up around £40m to land his man.
Barcelona, meanwhile, are not prepared to pay more than £20m.
But Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas appreciates that if the Gunners do match his club's valuation, he will doubtless not refuse the attacker’s right to leave.
Said Aulus: “We are going to try to find a solution so that he feels good and appreciates the relationship we have with him."
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It means that Lacazette could become the best paid star with the Rhone outfit, leaping ahead of Mathieu Valbuena.
The player himself is reluctant to discuss Arsenal's interest.
“I can’t speak to you...I really can’t,” he said after Lyon’s 4-1 Trophee des Champions loss to Paris Saint-Germain in Klagenfurt on Saturday.
Lacazette was injured during the match and could be out for up to three weeks with a thigh trouble, giving the Gunners more time to come up with the right package.
Meanwhile, according to reports Arsenal are also contemplating a cash-plus-player bid for Inter Milan captain Mauro Icardi.
