Lyon President Confirms Interest in Arsenal’s Lacazette and Real Madrid’s Benzema
In a stunning revelation that could reshape European football’s summer transfer window, Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has openly declared the club’s ambition to bring back two of their most celebrated academy products – Alexandre Lacazette from Arsenal and Karim Benzema from Real Madrid. Speaking at the unveiling of new loan signing Tanguy Ndombele from Tottenham, Aulas sent shockwaves through the transfer market with his candid comments.
“Lacazette interests us because he marked this club,” Aulas told Baji live exclusively. “It’s a profile that interests us and we have always maintained contact with him.” The Lyon president’s comments come as Lacazette enters the final months of his £47m Arsenal contract signed in 2017, making him available for free transfer this summer.
The Strategic Vision Behind Lyon’s Transfer Targets
The potential homecomings represent more than just nostalgic reunions – they form part of a calculated strategy under new sporting director Bruno Cheyrou. Aulas acknowledged the financial realities, stating: “In our context, yes Lacazette is more accessible than Benzema. We have to try to see if we can do it as a free player but we will not be alone in the race.”
Football analyst Thierry Laurent, speaking to Baji live, broke down the potential impact: “Lacazette at 31 could still offer Lyon 2-3 prime years, while Benzema at 35 would be more of a short-term solution. But imagine the mentorship both could provide to Lyon’s emerging talents like Rayan Cherki.”
Lacazette’s Potential Return to Ligue 1
The French striker’s Arsenal tenure has been a rollercoaster – from scoring crucial goals in European competitions to struggling for consistent starting opportunities under Mikel Arteta this season. A return to Lyon could revitalize his career where he scored 129 goals in 275 appearances before his Premier League move.
Aubameyang’s Barcelona move has opened the door for Lacazette’s potential departure
Interestingly, Lacazette’s situation mirrors that of former Arsenal teammate Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who recently completed a free transfer to Barcelona. As Baji live reported, Aubameyang has set his sights on Champions League football with the Catalan giants, leaving Arsenal to potentially lose another experienced striker in Lacazette.
The Benzema Dream: Ambitious but Not Impossible
While acknowledging the greater challenge in securing Benzema’s signature, Aulas didn’t rule out a sensational return for the Ballon d’Or contender. Benzema left Lyon for Real Madrid in 2009 and has since become one of the most decorated players in Los Blancos’ history.
Spanish football journalist Maria Fernandez told Baji live: “While Benzema remains crucial for Real Madrid, the club’s pursuit of Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland could create an unexpected opening. A final chapter in Lyon would be poetic for the French legend.”
What This Means for Arsenal and European Football
Arsenal now face a critical decision – allow Lacazette to leave for free or attempt to negotiate a short-term extension. The Gunners’ failure to replace Aubameyang in January leaves them particularly vulnerable if Lacazette departs.
Baji live transfer expert Mark Williams analyzes: “Lyon‘s dual pursuit shows their ambition to return to Europe’s elite. For Arsenal, it’s another reminder of their diminished pulling power in the transfer market compared to just five years ago.”
As the summer window approaches, all eyes will be on these potential blockbuster returns. Whether Lyon can pull off one or both deals remains uncertain, but Aulas has certainly set the stage for one of the most intriguing transfer sagas of 2023.
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