LYON MARSEILLE LACAZETTEGettyimages

Umtiti expects Lacazette to leave Lyon at 'right moment'

Alexandre Lacazette is “waiting for the right moment” to make a call on his future at Lyon, says former team-mate Samuel Umtiti.

The France international striker has long been linked with a big-money move away from Ligue 1, with Arsenal among those to have monitored his situation closely.

Lyon revealed last summer that they had knocked back a bid from the Gunners for the 25-year-old, but reports of interest from England refuse to go away.

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Lacazette subject of big-money bid, claim Lyon

Lacazette’s exploits on the field continue to attract admiring glances, with another 19 goals added to an impressive tally in 22 appearances this season.

He has broken the 20-goal barrier in Ligue 1 each of the last two seasons, netting 31 times across all competitions in 2014-15.

Such a prolific strike rate is always going to generate transfer speculation and one man who left Lyon last summer having seen his reputation outgrow the French side, believes Lacazette will soon do the same.

Alexandre Lacazette Lyon Guingamp Ligue 1 22102016

Barcelona defender Umtiti told Canal+: “I have a lot of respect for Lyon, they’re one of the biggest French clubs, but there will come a time when he could leave to improve.

“He’ll have that desire, I know his character. He’s waiting for the right moment.”

Lacazette to ponder Lyon future

Lyon have admitted to receiving further interest in Lacazette during the January transfer window, with the offers being tabled topping that made by West Ham last summer.

Club president Jean-Michel Aulas told RMC: “It is true that the offers we have received for Alexandre range from €40m - from West Ham last year - to €70m right now.”

Juventus are reported to be the side prepared to spend big on the France international, while Liverpool have been linked in the not too distant past with a player who would strengthen their attacking options.

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