The former Arsenal striker was offered a salary of 48 million euros for 2 years

The possible move could see Lacazette quadruple his current salary, but it would also mean leaving his beloved Lyon at a crucial time.

French President Emmanuel Macron (R) shakes hands with Lyon’s French striker #10 Alexandre Lacazette on the podium after the Coupe de France final match between Olympique Lyonnais (OL) and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy, in Villeneuve-d’Ascq, northern France, on May 25, 2024. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)

Lacazette joined Arsenal from Lyon in 2017 for a then club record fee of £46.5million. During his five-year stay with the Gunners, he made 206 appearances, scoring 71 goals and providing 36 assists. He became a fan favorite for his work rate, link-up play and finishing, notably winning the Arsenal Player of the Season award in 2018-19.

However, his form dipped in his final season at the Emirates and he opted to return to his boyhood club Lyon on a free transfer in the summer of 2022. Since his return, Lacazette has rediscovered his goalscoring talent, scoring 31 goals in all competitions last season and captaining the team.

Lyon’s French striker No.10 Alexandre Lacazette takes a photo during the French L1 soccer match between Olympique Lyonnais (Lyon) and LOSC (Lille) at the Groupama stadium in Lyon, east-central France , November 26, 2023. (Photo by ARNAUD FINISTRE/AFP via Getty Images)

Despite his importance to the team, Lyon’s financial constraints could force them to consider the Saudi offer. The club is under scrutiny from France’s financial watchdog, the DNCG, and the sale of Lacazette could ease some of its financial burdens.

Although the decision ultimately rests with Lacazette, the lure of a massive pay rise and a new challenge in Saudi Arabia could prove tempting. The 32-year-old striker is said to be in “deep reflection”, weighing the Saudi offer with the possibility of extending his contract with Lyon until 2026.

The potential move highlights the growing influence of Saudi clubs in the global football market. Their financial might still attracts the best talent from Europe’s major leagues, offering players lucrative contracts that few other clubs can match.

Lacazette will participate in the Olympics this summer, summoned by Thierry Henry even though he has been ignored by the main French team since 2017.