ARSENE WENGER wants to sign Alexandre Lacazette within three weeks - and could use Olivier Giroud as a makeweight in a swap deal.

Wenger has lined up Lyon striker Lacazette to bolster his Arsenal squad ahead of next season.

Lacazette was expected to join Atletico Madrid this summer but their transfer ban has been upheld by FIFA, pushing back any potential deal until January.

Atletico’s delay has allowed Arsenal to make a move for the 26-year-old, who hit 28 goals in Ligue 1 last season.

And Wenger could look to use Giroud as a makeweight in any deal with Lyon for Lacazette.

The London Evening Standard say Wenger wants to complete a deal for Lacazette before Arsenal begin their pre-season tour to Australia.

Their first game down under takes place in Sydney on July 13, giving the Arsenal boss less than three weeks to seal the deal.

The Gunners have made an initial £44m offer for Lacazette but Lyon are using Atletico’s interest to raise their asking price to £57m.

The French club are interested in Arsenal striker Giroud should they sell Lacazette, but insist they are prepared to wait until January and deal with Atletico.