One of the more in demand strikers of the transfer window, Alexandre Lacazette went absolutely nowhere, and has since started the new season in lethal form.
Scoring six goals in his first three league games, the 25-year-old was apparently the subject of a €50m offer from West Ham, as well as a smaller one from Arsenal; both rejected by Lyon’s president.
The only departing star was Samuel Umtiti to Barcelona, who was swiftly replaced by Nicolas N’Koulou on a free from Marseille, and now his aim is to tie Lacazette down.
Currently also in a contract battle with Rachid Ghezzal, the president is, according to Le10 Sport, apparently trying to include a release clause in his striker’s new deal, and that’s causing a few issues.
The money is good (around £100k/week), but the clause is too high for the player, who doesn’t want to be forever blocked from leaving Lyon.
The amount isn’t given, but considering Aulas said he was prepared to reject €70m for Lacazette, it’s probably higher. Release clauses aren’t allowed in French football, but there seems to be a situation where a private agreement can be made, in the hope everyone sticks to it.
To be fair, they’ve still got three years to sort all this out (his current deal runs until 2019).
