Jean-Michel Aulas spoke twice on Friday about a potential Alexandre Lacazette exit.
That seemed significant, because even the Lyon president usually limits himself to once per day.
Explaining very publicly, in his second announcement, that Arsenal hadn’t yet met the conditions for a Lacazette sale, Aulas was piling pressure on the London club.
It was out in the open that Arsenal are making an effort to sign the Lyon player, that he fancies a transfer, and that a little more money is required.
Aulas knows exactly what he’s doing.
Saturday’s edition of L’Equipe sounds very optimistic on behalf of an Arsenal transfer for Lacazette, explaining it could even be done this weekend.
‘It’s just a question of days’ until Lacazette leaves, reports the French newspaper, and he could move to Arsenal ‘even this weekend or early next week’.
To push it home a little further, L’Equipe add ‘according to our information, it’s only a matter of days’.
Aulas wants a package of around €60m, and L’Equipe believe the two clubs could arrange this with various bonuses, the balancing of which would have to find a level which pleases both.
If the Lyon president can come out the other side saying he’s got a €60m package, then he’ll be happy.
L’Equipe optmism about a short timeframe could be slightly too rosy. Arsenal may want to string fans out a little longer, and come up with a snazzy social media announcement.
@Arsenal #AnnounceLacazette
