Arsenal have finally confirmed the signing of Alexandre Lacazette on a five-year-deal. After weeks of talks with Lyon, Lacazette has joined Arsenal for a reported £52million fee which is club record, surpassing the £42.5m fee paid for Mesut Ozil. Thiery Henry, an Arsenal legend and highest goal scorer in the club’s history was said to have influenced Lacazette to make the jump from Lyon to the Emirates. Both players met in New York and Henry wasted no time in convincing the French striker to head to Arsenal if he wants to fulfil his potential.
The 26-year-old striker will earn £200,000-a-week to also become their highest paid player.
Arsenal said in a statement: “Alexandre Lacazette has agreed to join us on a long-term contract, for an undisclosed fee.
“He is expected to travel with the tour party to Sydney this weekend and is likely to make his home debut in the Emirates Cup on July 29 or July 30.
Manager Arsene Wenger said: “We are very happy to have Alexandre join our group. He has shown over a number of years that he can score goals and that he is a very efficient finisher.
“As well, he has very interesting technical qualities and a strong character. So he is a guy who is a great addition for us, and someone who will help us challenge at the top level this season.”
Lacazette, who had a medical at the training ground yesterday, brings a prolific goalscoring record with 37 goals last season.
He is Arsenal’s second signing of the summer after the arrival of left-back Sead Kolasinac.
Lacazette’s arrival could mean his compatriot Olivier Giroud will leave the Emirates.
Giroud has been linked with a move to Everton in a deal worth around £20million.
