Lacazette intends to leave Lyon this summer, affirms Atletico affection

After 14 years in the Lyon ranks, Alexandre Lacazette admitted he would fancy a summer exit, and while that much is clear, the 26-goal man has hinted at his next destination in expressing admiration for Atletico Madrid.

It would appear a perfect match, with Los Colchoneros reportedly pursuing the player for the better part of the two years that has seen the capital club submit a €40-million bid pending an appeal against a transfer ban with the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

"I like Atletico, they have great players, a great coach, great fans and Antoine (Griezmann) is there," Lacazette said, courtesy of ESPN FC. "We will see what happens at the end of the season and I will reflect on it. The media talk of many clubs, but I focus on what my agent says and we will see."

Lacazette's contract runs through 2019, though Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has conceded he won't stand in the way of summer sales for the betterment of the club, hinting at an exit for the French international striker and highly coveted Les Gones mate Corentin Tolisso.

From the sounds of it, Aulas' concession agrees with Lacazette's preferences.

"I do not deny that I have done a lot for this club and I would like to look for another one now. But I am not leaving just to leave. And it will not be goodbye forever," Lacazette added.

Should Atletico receive clearance from the Court of Arbitration of Sport to again dip into the summer transfer market, Diego Simeone's lot may be looking for a slew of attacking help, especially if Griezmann's reported lucrative move to Manchester United goes through. Reports have also alleged that the club is looking to offload Kevin Gameiro and disappointing summer signing Nicolas Gaitan to help raise funds for said purchases.