Arsenal have reportedly been told to increase their bid for Lyon striker Alexandre Lacazette to as much as £57m.
Lacazette has been heavily linked with a move away from Lyon this summer, although club president Jean-Michel Aulas yesterday suggested that the 26-year-old would stay at the club.
Arsenal have emerged as frontrunners to sign the France international after Atletico Madrid were ruled out of the race due to their FIFA-imposed transfer ban.
The Gunners were hopeful of agreeing a £44m deal, but the Evening Standard reports that they have been told that it would take a bid of around £57m to prise him away.
Arsenal could look to use Olivier Giroud as a makeweight in any deal, but Lacazette is also thought to be considering waiting until January, when Atletico Madrid are able buy players again.
Lacazette has been at Lyon since 2003, coming through the ranks at the club and going on to score 129 goals in 275 appearances for the senior team.
Barney Corkhill
