Former Arsenal star Alexandre Lacazette hints at transfer plan amid Lyon relegation

Former Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette faces a huge decision next summer now he knows that the future of current club Olympique Lyonnais hangs in the balance.

The Frenchman was a fan favourite during his five years at the . 71 goals in 206 appearances, winning the FA Cup and Community Shield was the legacy he left behind as he played his part in helping establish the of today.

But before the Gunners, 's first love was boyhood club Lyon - he spent 14 years of his life from the age of eight climbing through the ranks, broke into the senior team at 19 then set Ligue 1 alight so the likes of Arsenal would notice. After his spell in England he would return and has enjoyed two seasons with the club.

READ MORE:

READ MORE:

At 33 years of age and with one year remaining on his deal during the summer, he began to accumulate serious interest from the developing Saudi Pro League. He waved away suitors to remain with his current side, even at the expense of the personal wealth the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar Jr have collected by playing in that region of the world.

So far in the 2024/25 campaign he has netted five goals in 14 appearances, the most recent the winner in the grudge match with local rivals AS Saint-Etienne. Afterwards, he admitted to : "It was my first Derby at the Groupama Stadium and surely my last one too."

That would seem to settle his fate with the French club, were they not to be rocked by the worst news possible in the days since.

Yesterday evening multiple reports emerged explaining that were Lyon unable to expel their financial troubles by the end of the season, they will be relegated to Ligue 2.

The Direction Nationale du Controle de Gestion (DNCG) - French football's financial watchdog - dealt this provisional relegation to the club owned by shareholder John Textor.

With a reported debt set at €508m (£424.5m), it is being said that they must acquire around €100m (£91m) in revenue before the current season's end to escape this punishment.

So ultimately, it remains to be seen if Lacazette's own transfer plan changes or not amidst this latest trouble. The veteran may take it upon himself to remain with Lyon and help them out of this mess best he can on-field, or call time on his stay in tandem with the seven-time French champions' potential relegation.