Giroud blow for Hammers

Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has confirmed his club are keen on a deal to sign Arsenal’s Olivier Giroud but claims the striker is keen to take his time on his future.

Giroud’s future at Arsenal remains unclear after the Frenchman started only 11 Premier League matches this campaign. Despite his fall down the pecking order the 30-year-old still managed to net 12 league goals.

Speaking to L’Equipe Aulas said: “There has been an approach, at some point, for Giroud. He is a boy that we like, who scores lots of goals and who has a lot of ambition for Russia”

“He told me personally that he wanted to take his time, that things were not completely defined with Arsenal, that he had a secret hope that he would be the number one striker next season.

“The key is Arsene Wenger. We are watching. We will try to very quickly sign a top European attacker.”

Some media reports suggest Arsenal could use Giroud to land Lacazette in part exchange.

Arsenal are “ready to pay” for Alexandre Lacazette says Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas

“I do not intend to sell Alexandre quickly, because there is always the option of Atletico Madrid to signing him on January 1, 2018,” Aulas told L’Equipe. “I also listen to what Alexandre says

“I saw Arsene during the match between France and England. I was with Gerard Houllier [who advises the Lyon president] and I understand he [Wenger] told Gerard that there could be an interest from Arsenal.

“But it is premature to say that things will be done. We cannot let a player of that quality go without his replacement. We are talking about €50m [£43.7m] to €60m [£52.5m].

“Arsenal are ready to pay for Lacazette. Everyone knows Atletico were going to pay €53m [£46.4m] plus €12m [£10.5m] in add-ons. That’s €65m [£56.9m].