Arsenal Told to Wait Until Summer After €10m Bid for Forward is Rejected - Report

Lyon forward Alexandre Lacazette does not want to leave France this winter his agent has confirmed, after Arsenal reportedly saw an opening bid of €10m turned away by the club.

Arsene Wenger is understood to want to wait until the summer before making significant additions to his squad but with Theo Walcott ruled out for the rest of the season the manager has little choice but to bring someone in.

According to French publication But!, the Gunners sounded out the possibility of signing 22-year-old Lacazette, but saw their opening offer quickly turned away by the Ligue 1 club who are unwilling to sell at this stage of the season.

The France international's agent David Venditelli later confirmed that a club had made an offer for his client, but insisted the forward's intention is to remain at Lyon where his chances of consistent first team football and hopes of earning a spot in France's World Cup squad are stronger.

"It is true that we are in contact with several clubs and one of them came into contact with Lyon, Venditelli told Eurosport France.

"Alexander will not leave Lyon, he will remain there at least until June."

Lacazette, a natural forward who can also operate in wider positions, has garnered the attention of a number of clubs this season having scored nine goals in 17 Ligue 1 games. Everton have also been linked with a move and RMC report Roberto Martinez's side have made an approach of their own, which has also swiftly been dismissed by Les Gones.

The Gunners meanwhile will have to consider other options given Lyon's reluctance to listen to offers this month. A move for Real Madrid striker Alvaro Morata has been widely reported, but Wenger has played down suggestions he will make an offer for the 21-year-old.

"Nothing has changed because we are open to a possible solution and if something interesting turns up we will do it," Wenger told a press conference on Friday. "It could be a loan as well yes, We are not in talks, with Real about anybody."