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Arsenal’s hopes of landing Alexandre Lacazette this summer have suffered a major blow.

The Gunners saw at least two bids rejected for the Lyon frontman last year and are expected to rekindle their interest in the 25-year-old once the current campaign comes to and end.

Lacazette, who has scored 30 goals in 39 appearances this season, has already made it known that he would like to leave France this summer in a bid to further his career.

But speaking to UEFA.com ahead of Lyon’s Europa League semi-final with Ajax, the striker revealed he would only join a club who will be playing in the Champions League next season.

Given that Arsenal currently sit sixth in the Premier League, six points adrift of the top four, that would appear to rule out a move to the Emirates.

Lacazette - who is a target for Liverpool - said: “This summer I might go for a breath of fresh air and try something different, always with the idea of progressing in football and as a person.

“I’m going to keep working, with the hope that good opportunities come for me this summer.

“[The team I join] will have to be in the Champions League and play good football – passing the ball, not just hitting it from box to box. Not kick and rush. That would not work for me.”

The Lyon forward added: “Thierry Henry shook me and told me to keep pushing myself, something we tend to forget when we are young. It made an impression, of course.

“When a player like Thierry Henry speaks to you, you pay attention. I realised that being a great player is a full-time job.

“Could I win the Ballon d’Or one day? Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. First I will try to leave my mark at the club. Then we’ll see.”