Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette has been linked with a move back to former club Lyon.
The 31-year-old joined the Gunners from the Ligue 1 outfit in 2017 and has since netted 71 goals in 206 appearances for the club.
He had previously notched 129 goals in 275 games for Lyon and is reportedly close to returning to his spiritual home.
RMC Sport claim that Lacazette will move back to France on a free transfer, although clubs in Spain and England are also interested in signing him.
It is understood that an ‘agreement in principle’ may already have been reached with Lacazette as he is keen to help the club bounce back from a disappointing season.
Lyon claimed eighth place in Ligue 1 last term, their lowest position since the 1995/96 campaign when they finished 11th.
Manager Peter Bosz is a fan of Lacazette and sees him as the ideal man to mentor the club’s next generation of stars.
They include midfielder Maxence Caqueret, who recently extended his contract until 2026, and talented playmaker Rayan Cherki.
A return to Lyon for Lacazette could spark increased speculation about Moussa Dembele’s future, with the striker reportedly wanted by several Premier League clubs.
According to Foot Mercato, the 25-year-old is being tracked by Manchester United, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur.
The former Fulham and Celtic forward was in fine form last season, bagging 21 goals in 30 league appearances.
His contract expires in 2023, and Lyon may be willing to cash in now rather than lose him for free next summer.
The Gunners desperately need attacking reinforcements, having sanctioned Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s exit in January and with Lacazette on the cusp of leaving.
Eddie Nketiah is close to signing a new deal, but Arsenal will need to complete more summer transfers to challenge for the top four next season.
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