Lacazette exit agreed with next club named, as Arsenal get final push to secure new striker

Alexandre Lacazette has been convinced over a return to Lyon after dropping a key demand and giving the green light to a significant pay-cut, per a report.

That is the news coming out of France, with L’Equipe reporting the 31-year-old is poised to return to Lyon. Lacazette is out of contract this summer and looks certain to depart north London.

The Frenchman performed admirably with Arsenal last season with his interplay helping to bring out the best from Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka and co. mid-season. Yet his four league goals from 30 appearances was not the type of return Arsenal needed to fire them to fourth spot.

Eddie Nketiah usurped the veteran striker down the stretch and it appears the younger forward is the one in line for a new deal.

Atletico Madrid were named as a contender to snap up Lacazette on a free. However, a return to France with either Lyon or Rennes always appeared the likelier prospect.

And per L’Equipe, that’s exactly what is about to transpire.

They state Lyon have ‘convinced’ their former striker to return to the club after five years in north London. The outlet described an announcement as being ‘imminent’.

GetFrenchFootballNews also pick up the story, adding contacts between Lyon and Lacazette were first opened in winter when the player entered the last six months of his contract. That allowed him to speak to overseas clubs regarding a summer switch.

Lacazette was previously reported to harbour doubts over a move if Lyon failed to qualify for Europe. Lyon did indeed miss out, though Lacazette has now reportedly dropped that demand.

Furthermore, it’s claimed he’ll take around a 50 percent pay-cut to return to his boyhood club. While it’s acknowledged some of that deficit will be offset by a