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Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger holds talks with talented strike duo Alexandre Lacazette and Romelu Lukaku

Gunners are looking to bring in more firepower after losing out on Leicester ace Jamie Vardy who snubbed an Emirates move

ARSENAL boss Arsene Wenger has held talks with Lyon's Alexandre Lacazette and Everton's Romelu Lukaku as he steps up his pursuit of a striker.

The Gunners are looking to bring in more firepower after losing out on Leicester ace Jamie Vardy who snubbed Wenger to sign a new deal.

 Alexandre Lacazette came behind Zlatan Ibrahimovic in Ligue 1 scoring charts
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Alexandre Lacazette came behind Zlatan Ibrahimovic in Ligue 1 scoring chartsCredit: Reuters
 Romelu Lukaku wants to leave Everton this summer
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Romelu Lukaku wants to leave Everton this summerCredit: PA:Press Association

The Arsenal chief spoke to Lyon, Everton and both the forward's representatives last week – as he wants a new striker before they head to America on a pre-season tour later this month.

Everton are demanding a staggering £65m for Lukaku but it is thought they would be willing to let him leave for around £40m.

Wenger has been a long-time admirer of Lacazette, having personally watched him for Lyon on a number of occasions over the past few seasons.

But the French international is Wenger's second choice option behind Lukaku, and would cost around £38m.

 Lukaku missed some golden chances against Wales
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Lukaku missed some golden chances against WalesCredit: MTI
 Arsene Wenger is hunting a new striker for title challenge
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Arsene Wenger is hunting a new striker for title challengeCredit: Splash News

An Arsenal source said: “Arsene is keen to get a new striker in as soon as possible, but won't rush anything and overspend.

“Olivier Giroud is very much in his plans, but he wants to get someone in and was upset about losing out on Jamie Vardy.”

Lacazette has scored an impressive 72 goals in 173 appearances for Lyon since coming through their academy in 2010.

Belgium international Lukaku has netted 28 times in 73 matches for Everton since joining them from Chelsea for a club record £28m.

He has also been linked with a move back to Stamford Bridge this summer and has been targeted by Italian giants Juventus and Manchester United.

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