European giant seek part-exchange deal as Arsenal pursue star striker

Arsenal are in negotiations to land a top-class striker in the summer transfer window but they may have to part with an established name in order to get their man.

French outlet Le 10 Sport states that Lyon are ready to approve a sale of star-man Alexandre Lacazette but club president Jean-Michel Aulas is seeking Olivier Giroud in return, as he pushes for a part-exchange deal.

Lacazette had seemed odds-on for a move to Atletico Madrid until the Spanish side’s plans were dashed due to their transfer ban and Arsenal now lead the race for his services, although a deal for the Frenchman could cost a club-record amount of £60m.

Arsenal could lower that price by offering Giroud in return and it could work out well for the Frenchman, as he’s seeking regular first-team football ahead of the World Cup next summer- although he’s not popular in France, despite 17 goals in his last 21 international appearances.

The Gunners would also lose a significant asset as Giroud has proved his worth to Arsenal time and time again, although he doesn’t look like he will become the Gunners’ leading man and will instead remain a plan b.