Olympique Lyon President Jean-Michel Aulas has warned Arsenal that they have to make an official bid for goalkeeper Hugo Lloris in the next two weeks or risk losing out on signing him.
The Ligue 1 side which ended in a disappointing 4th position last season have lost out on a Champions League spot next season and will compete in the Europa Cup. The club manager Remi Girard has decided to reshuffle his squad and remove the under performing stars so as to make way for new talent. Their French custodian Hugo Lloris has attracted interest from a host of top clubs across Europe and Arsenal were believed to be the frontrunners to get his signature. However, Aulas denied having been approached by the Gunners as of yet for their star goalkeeper.
“A certain number of players were not good enough last season and will leave or at least be placed on the transfer list,” said Aulas to the club’s website.
“Hugo told me he would like to leave if an offer comes in from one of the biggest five clubs in Europe.
“If one of these clubs makes an offer that matches his market value, in other words 20 million Euros then he can go.
“If there is no offer before July 15 he will remain at the club for the coming season.
“For the moment there has been no offer from Arsenal or anywhere else.”
The price tag might deter the London club from making an official move this summer as they continue struggling to find a successor to Jens Lehmann. Wojciech Sczczesny is currently the number one at the Emirates between the sticks but Arsene Wenger wants to bring the highly rated 25 year old to give more solidity to their defense.