Move of Arsenal target to Atletico Madrid cancelled due to transfer ban says Lyon president

02 giu 2017

Arsenal are known to be long time admirers of Lyon star Alexandre Lacazette. The Frenchman had also been targeted by Atletico Madrid but due to the Colchoneros’ transfer ban, the striker’s move to the Spanish capital collapsed.

“We had reached an agreement with Atletico Madrid and we were already looking for a replacement”, Jean-Michel Aulas has told French media.

“It would have been a big-money move, let’s see if the transfer ban will prevent us from completing the deal.”

Lacazette was reported to be a potential replacement of Antoine Griezmann who is being heavily linked with a move to Manchester United in the summer. The Frenchman has 37 goals in 45 appearances in all competitions this season. His contract with Lyon expires in 2019.

Griezmann has a € 100 million release clause included in his contract with the Colchoneros, which means the Red Devils can still complete his signing in the summer.