Arsenal round-up: Alternative for Mbappe linked; Lyon send Lacazette warning; Walcott targeted

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Arsenal have made Kylian Mbappe a priority target for this summer and it would be a signing that send a statement to the rest of Europe. However, Daily Mail report that they have Anthony Martial in their thoughts as a back-up option, if they can’t capture his compatriot.

Although the Gunners are hopeful of winning the race to sign the teenager, they don’t have all their eggs in one basket, with the United ace in their thoughts. Arsene Wenger is prepared to pay £40 million for the player, who would be open to a move after slipping down the pecking order at Old Trafford.

This is an interesting story and it is difficult to see such a deal happening. Jose Mourinho won’t want to lose a player to a rival club, regardless of how he views him. The Portuguese manager has a poor record when it comes to selling players as they often thrive elsewhere. A few examples would be Romelu Lukaku, Kevin de Bruyne and arguably Memphis Depay.

If Arsenal can’t sign Mbappe, then it would be a good decision to target Martial, but it won’t be a straight forward transfer.

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Lyon have been tough sellers in recent years and this summer will be no different. President Jean-Michel Aulas has told L’Equipe that it is too soon to suggest that Alexandre Lacazette will end up at Arsenal and has told the English side that they will have to match their valuation of €50 million (£44 million), at least:

“I do not intend to cede Alexandre quickly, because there is always the will of Atletico Madrid to bring it to January 1. Now I also listen to what Alexandre says.

“I saw Arsene Wenger during the France-England match [on June 13]. I was with [Aulas’ adviser] Gerard Houllier and I understand he told Gerard there could be interest from Arsenal, but it’s premature to say that things will happen.”

It was thought that the Frenchman was closing in on a move to the Emirates Stadium, but that appears to be premature, as the above comments show the current state of play. It would be foolish to think that the Ligue 1 side would be easy sellers as they have continued to keep the striker in past windows, despite his own desire to move on.

The interest from Atletico makes it difficult as Lyon can wait until January to sell him, as they know they have a ready-made buyer. If Arsenal do want him, they will have to put up the money that Lyon want. This one will go to the wire.

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Meanwhile, West Ham have made Theo Walcott a target for this summer, according to the Mirror. He is valued at £25 million and, after being out of favour towards the end of the season, there is a possibility that he will be moved on this summer. The England international will want to be playing regularly ahead of the World Cup and to achieve that, he may need to seek a transfer.

It would be a disappointment to lose the attacker as he is a good squad option and a regular goal threat. Although he never scores huge numbers, he regularly chips in with crucial goals. The problem is that he is now reaching a crossroads at the age of 28 and he needs to play every week, especially if he wants to make the World Cup squad. For Arsenal, it may be a deal worth doing if they can bring in a good fee for him.

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