Arsenal have indicated they are prepared to pay the €40 million (£34.2 million) fee that will trigger talks with Lyon to sign their striker Alexandre Lacazette.
However, no bid has been lodged yet for the 25-year-old France international who has once more rejected the chance to join West Ham United.
It is believed that the Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger, who is working as a television pundit during the Euro 2016, used covering France’s recent match against the Republic of Ireland in Lyon as an opportunity to meet Lacazette’s representatives.
It is also understood that Lyon are demanding a fee of €40 million – but even then it appears to be an initial indication to open talks rather than a set fee – but Arsenal have suggested that is not a problem with Wenger determined to strengthen his strike force and with Jamie Vardy deciding to stay at Leicester City, despite his £21 million release clause being met. Vardy has since signed a new contract.
