9:45: In May Alexandre Lacazette claimed he would only leave Lyon for a team in the Champions League.
The France hot-shot though is set to join Arsenal, who missed out on Europe’s elite competition for the first time under Arsene Wenger.
"[The team I will 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," said Lacazette.
But the 26-year-old now appears willing to miss out after his move to Atletico Madrid fell through.
Lacazette was set to join Madrid before the transfer ban was upheld leaving them unable to sing players until January.
9:00: What squad number will Alexandre Lacazette wear at Arsenal?
Lacazette has worn the number 10 at Lyon since the 2013/14 season. Prior to that he wore the number 17 and before that the number 38.
The number 10 at Arsenal though was worn by Mesut Ozil last season, while Jack Wilshere is listed with the number on the club’s website.
With Lucas Perez looking likely to leave the number nine will be available, but other than that he could take seven if Alexis Sanchez leaves, 10 if Ozil leaves and Wilshere is not given it back, 22, 27 or 30.
However with a number of other players potentially leaving other numbers could become available.
8:40: Alexandre Lacazette scored 37 goals in 45 games last season and finished behind only Edinson Cavani in the Ligue scoring charts.
The 26-year-old has scored 20 or more goals in the last three seasons and has 11 France caps since making his debut in 2013 - but has scored just once for Les Bleus.
His move to Arsenal could spell the end of Olivier Giroud’s time at the Emirates with both Everton and West Ham in the Premier League monitoring his situation while Lyon and Marseille could try and bring him back to France.
Lacazette’s signing could also ease the departure of Alexis Sanchez who is wanted by Manchester City and is yet to agree a contract extension at Arsenal.
8:15: Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has admitted the deal to take Alexandre Lacazette to Arsenal is close.
Arsenal are expected to announce the signing of the France star in the next 48 hours and Aulas admits the transfer is unique.
"The deal will happen for something between €45 and €50 million. To be close to €50m is something unique, and will be a record for Arsenal and a record for Lyon," Aulas said.
"One must also take into account that traditionally, a club like Arsenal do not have the habit of spending so much for one player."
7:50: Everton are said to have made enquires to Lyon regarding Lacazette before it become clear he was heading to Arsenal.
Everton have been the most active team so far this summer and added two more names yesterday.
Michael Keane and Sandro Ramirez joined Ronald Koeman’s revolution as he sets about overhauling his squad.
But he also looked into a deal for Lacazette, according to the Daily Mail, as he plans for life after Romelu Lukaku.
Lukaku looks set to join Chelsea, but they have missed out on Lacazette with the striker poised to join Arsenal.
7:30: French football expert Julien Laurens has offered some insight into Arsene Wenger’s pursuit of Lacazette.
Laurens claims Wenger has been watching the striker for 10 years and is finally convinced that the time is right to bring him to the Emirates.
He told BBC Radio Five Live: "I think it is a good signing for many reasons, not just for spending the money.
"For 10 years, they have looked at him so many times.
"But this summer finally Wenger is convinced this is the right time for him to come to Arsenal and that finally he's matured enough and improved enough.
"His game all round has improved massively.
"Wenger last summer was not so sure. The summer before was not so sure.
"But this summer now he is sure Lacazette can bring something to Arsenal."
7:15: Alexandre Lacazette could be announced as an Arsenal player as early as today.
The French striker is due for a medical and has already agreed a five-year deal with the Gunners.
French newspaper L’Equipe claim Lacazette’s signing could be announced today in a deal worth £44m plus add-ons to see it rise above
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