(Football news) Alexandre Lacazette has agreed a deal to return to his former club Lyon upon the expiry of his Arsenal contract. The 31-year-old was in the final month of his current deal at the Emirates and Arsenal didn’t want to renew his contract as he failed to strike an agreement over fresh terms, with Arsenal instead prioritising a renewal for young Eddie Nketiah.

Lyon have always been open to the idea of re-signing him and never hid away from admitting their desire to get Lacazette back. He came through the French side's academy and netted 129 goals in 275 appearances before joining Arsenal in 2017 for a club-record £46.5m. Lacazette is leaving Arsenal with a record of 71 goals and 36 assists in 206 games, but this season has been the worst for him as he managed to score four goals in 30 Premier League outings over this past season. Finding more quality in attack has been a key priority for Arsenal, who offloaded Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in January and currently have just one proper striker in the team. Nketiah showed glimpses of his talent towards the end of the season and has been promised regular minutes next year, but the plan is to sign at least one new striker to provide competition and certain depth in that crucial position.

Alexandre Lacazette had a fast start to his Arsenal career under Unai Emery but ever since Mikel Arteta took over the reins, he has been out of favour. The final months of Lacazette's Arsenal career saw him take over the captaincy from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang after he was banished from first-team training and then sold to Barcelona in January after returning late from a trip to France. Arsenal have been linked with a numerous number of strikers ahead of the summer transfer window with the likes of Gabriel Jesus, Richarlison and Tammy Abraham all linked with moves to the North London club. With Lacazette's significant wages off the books, it may allow Edu to accelerate his plans in the market and bring in one or two new frontmen. 

“We will make every possible effort [to sign him],” Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas confessed in February.

Lyon general manager Vincent Ponsot and president Jean-Michel Aulas expressed their desire to bring Lacazette back to the club. Ponsot said: “He’s a player who interests us for all that he has represented here. We noticed his maturity and he is someone that the club have stayed in contact with.”

“We will make every possible effort,” added Aulas.

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