Lyon not selling Lacazette for under €70 million

For the better part of this summer, we've heard rumors and reports of varying credibility regarding Arsene Wenger's chase for Olympique Lyon's striker Alexandre Lacazette. At times it seemed a deal for roughly €35-40 million was close, at other times it seemed like Lyon had no interest in selling.

Now it would appear that the former is the truth and that this chapter of the saga will come to a close as Lyon is demanding a whopping €70 million for the French striker's services.

Lyon to tell #Arsenal Alexandre Lacazette will cost £60m - @JBurtTelegraph https://t.co/IthDO30fd3 pic.twitter.com/R7X2nFptgp

— Telegraph Football (@TeleFootball) August 10, 2016

According to this same report:

Arsenal have already had an initial bid of €35 million (£29.95 million) rejected by Lyon and have indicated that they are prepared to make an improved offer as Arsene Wenger attempts to resolve his current striker shortage. However, they will not be expected to go anywhere near Lyon's new asking price should Aulas stick to that valuation.

So there you have it. While this may or may not be hearsay and pure bunk, it does seem like Lyon is intent on making Lacazette the centerpiece in their futile chase of PSG for domestic honors. Meanwhile, Wenger will have to look elsewhere and perhaps he already has given some of the most recent Riyad Mahrez rumors. There are still three weeks left until the transfer window closes so expect to see a flurry of action in the coming days.