Lacazette: Arsenal didn't want to sell me in summer transfer window

The French forward saw talk surface after just one season with the Gunners, but he is happy where he is and delighted to have stayed put

Alexandre Lacazette insists a summer move away from Arsenal was never on the cards, with the club having made it clear that they “didn’t want to sell”.

Having spent just one season at Emirates Stadium, the France international striker saw exit talk sparked in the most recent transfer window.

Competition for a starting berth from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and inconsistent form during an injury-hit debut campaign in north London led to suggestions that Lacazette could be moved on.

The former Lyon star has, however, made no secret of his desire to prove a point at Arsenal, having been a long-time admirer of the club and a long-standing target.

He is now getting that chance, with the 2018-19 campaign opened with six goals to date, and no switch was ever considered amid the unwelcome rumours.

Lacazette told Arsenal Player: “When first I think of Arsenal, it was when Titi Henry played for Arsenal and scored goals. Now I’m there so I want to make the fans happy.

“I signed for Lyon at 10. At seven they wanted me to sign but my dad said, ‘it’s too early, you need to learn with your friends and just have fun’.

“I needed the next step. A few years ago I talked with Arsenal but it was not a good time.

“When they came I was so happy and the discussion with Arsenal and the club was so quick, and with me it was so quick.

“I’m happy because I know now the league, I know my players, my team-mates.

“The club is happy because this summer they didn’t want to sell me; they told me ‘we are happy to have you in the team’.”

Lacazette found the target 17 times last season, in 39 appearances across all competitions, but will be hoping to break back through the 20-goal barrier in 2018-19 having made a habit of passing that mark during his time at Lyon.

A productive partnership with Aubameyang should aid that cause, with Unai Emery having embraced the opportunity to get two proven frontmen into his starting XI.