Alexandre Lacazette to complete £44million Arsenal move within next 48 hours, Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas confirms

Alexandre Lacazette is set to join Arsenal in the coming days for around £44million, according to Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas.

The France striker has been linked with a move to the Gunners for much of this summer as they seek to lift themselves into Premier League title contention.

The outspoken Aulas has previously insisted Lacazette is going nowhere this summer.

But, quoted in Le Progres on Sunday, he said: "The transfer of Alexandre Lacazette to Arsenal could be completed in a day or two."

The deal for Lacazette will eclipse Arsenal's previous record transfer of £42.5m for Mesut Ozil in 2013.

Aulas said: "The 67million (euros, £58.75m) announced by sources in England is an unrealistic sum. Arsenal's first offer was 45million and the transfer will be done for a fee of between 45 and 50million (£39.5m-44m).

"Being close to 50million is something unique and would undoubtedly be a record for Arsenal, and also for Lyon of course."

The 26-year-old has been one of the most prolific strikers in Europe in recent years, having struck 76 league goals over the last three seasons.

Despite Lacazette's imminent arrival, Arsenal still hope to keep hold of Alexis Sanchez.

The Chilean forward has just 12 months left on his contract and is refusing to sign a new deal amid interest from Manchester City.

Sanchez said last this week he has made his mind up over his future - but refused to reveal his plans.