Fournier – Lacazette will stay

Premier League clubs interested in the services of Alexandre Lacazette have been served a blow in their pursuit of the Lyon striker after manager Hubert Fournier insisted the Frenchman wants to stay at the Ligue 1 outfit this summer.

Much speculation has surrounded the 24-year-old after the striker scored a staggering 27 league goals last season, which was only bettered by Cristiano Ronaldo (48) and Lionel Messi (44) across Europe’s top five leagues.

But, speaking ahead of the match, Fournier insisted Lacazette is happy at the Stade de Gerland and will be an important part of a Lyon squad looking for success in all competitions having finished second to Paris Saint-Germain in Ligue 1 previous year.

“Olympique Lyonnais”, he was quoted as saying by Sky Sports during a pre-Emirates Cup press conference when questioned where he thought Lacazette will be playing in 2015/16. “He has said he wants to stay with us”, Fournier said.

Arsenal fans took to Twitter in force this afternoon to revel in their side’s awesome victory and to cheekily mock the French forward’s decision to reject the Gunners.

“Clearly clubs are attracted by a player of his quality, but he is contracted to Lyon and, with all the competitions we’re in, we obviously want to keep him”.

Alexandre Lacazette has earned eight caps for France’s senior national team.