Arsenal have suffered a blow in their pursuit of Alexandre Lacazette of Lyon but received encouraging news regarding the potential capture of Inter Milan captain Mauro Icardi.

Lyon boss Bruno Genesio told the French team’s official website he believes the predatory striker will remain at Les Gones despite the Gunners’ inquiries to sign Lacazette (h/t Metro‘s Jon Harvey).

The manager said: “The squad is very calm. The players are not impacted. I have discussions with [Alexandre] Lacazette. It’s my job to ask these players to be there. They are honest discussions between a coach and a player. We will not lose Lacazette, I am confident.”

The French club initially confirmed rumours the Gunners want Lacazette. In an official statement in response to Arsenal’s interest, they said (h/t the Mirror‘s Darren Lewis and Joe Mewis):

Olympique Lyonnais categorically deny having received an offer of €48 million from Arsenal for the transfer of Alexandre Lacazette, as LeProgres report this morning.

The club is disappointed that Le Progres didn’t go to the effort of contacting us before publishing this false information, which creates confusion on the day the club is publishing its annual figures.

The reality is that Arsenal made a €35million bid, which Olympique Lyonnais turned down for one reason: l’OL will keep Alexandre Lacazette, who is irreplaceable and who is one of the main leaders in Bruno Genesio‘s squad.

As the door appears to close on a swift move for Lacazette, there is hope Icardi could force his way out of Inter to join the Gunners.

Marc Mayo of Gazzetta World (h/t Bruce Archer of the Express) reported the Argentina international is considering boycotting warm-up matches in an attempt to trigger a move to north London. Icardi has continued to train under the supervision of Inter boss Roberto Mancini but is unhappy. Club president Erick Thohir informed the skipper they’ll soon offer him a new deal worth almost €4 million per season.

Napoli also want Icardi and see him as their natural replacement for the recently departed Gonzalo Higuain. However, Inter have already turned down two firm offers for the attacker, including a €60 million bid, per Mayo.

The prodigal talent scored 16 goals in 33 Serie A matches last term, according to WhoScored.com, proving himself to be one of the continent’s most exciting strikers.

Here is Icardi in action:

OptaPaolo provided further statistics proving the attacker’s worth:

Either Lacazette or Icardi would be perfect captures for Arsene Wenger, and both attackers have plenty of development left in their individual games.

According to the rumours, Icardi appears the most keen to make the switch to England, and the talisman would transform the outlook of Arsenal’s attack.

The forward has dramatically improved since leaving Sampdoria in 2013 and has outgrown his environment at the San Siro.

Icardi needs to play for a team like Arsenal to fully make the breakthrough at international level, and a starring role under Wenger will bring him the kudos he deserves.

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