​Lyon striker Alexandre Lacazette, who has been at the centre of intense transfer speculation this summer, has been offered a new contract at the Ligue 1 club, according to​ L'Equipe.





The French newspaper claim that the 25-year-old just needs to sign the dotted line on a proposed £85k-a-week deal, which would see him become the club's highest paid player.

Lyon will also include a £59m release-clause in the contract, which will initially fend off interest from the likes of Arsenal and West Ham, both of whom made huge bids for the French forward over the summer.



​The release clause will come as a blow to Arsenal, who would have to make Lacazette their record signing if they want to prize him away to North London.







But Arsene Wenger's side would have good reason in doing so, as Lacazette has started the season in fine form, scoring six goals in just three appearances.

Alexandre Lacazette offered new contract by Lyon - £80,000 a week with £60m release clause. Still expect him to leave Lyon next summer — Kaveh Solhekol (@SkyKaveh) September 3, 2016

The Lyon striker was one of many that Arsenal missed out on this summer, with England and Leicester star Jamie Vardy also turning down the Gunners after Euro 2016.





Vardy revealed how he made his decision while in the team hotel at Euro 2016, and how the choice was tough one to make.





“I was in a hotel room for many hours of every day with nothing to do." he said. “I had a lot of time on my hands. I literally thought about every single little thing, down to the tea lady.





“Every time I thought about every little thing, both head and heart were saying ‘you need to stay’.”



