Arsenal are said to be close to agreeing on a deal to sign former West Ham transfer target Alexandre Lacazette from Lyon.
Lacazette’s move is expected to be for a club-record fee of around £50m. Last season Lacazette was at his most prolific as he found the net 28 times in Ligue 1, a tally bettered by only Paris St-Germain’s Edinson Cavani, with 35.
The move should free up West Ham to speak to the Gunners about signing Giroud who is said to be keen to stay in London despite interest from Everton and Lyon.
Lyon President Aulas has said in a press conference on Friday
“We have never discussed an exchange with Arsenal for Olivier Giroud with Alexandre Lacazette.”
Former Arsenal full-back Nigel Winterburn told Bein Sports:
“He might also be settled in London and if that is the case, West Ham have a good link with Arsenal and if he wanted to stay in London that could be a good opportunity for West Ham to get a very good striker.
I can’t see Wenger letting him go even if he does sign Lacazette, Giroud is a completely different type of player, he is more likely to get rid of Wellbeck who is a similar player to Lacazette.
But is Giroud willing to spend another season as a back up striker at Arsenal when he would be guaranteed a first team place at West Ham.He is 30 now so may force a move himself.
He will be desperate for games so as to get in the world cup squad as it will be his last one.