08.08.2015 12:19 h

Lyon boost as star striker Lacazette extends contract

Lyon received a massive boost on Saturday when star striker Alexandre Lacazette signed a new contract up to 2019, the Ligue 1 club announced.

The deal ends any danger that last season's top scorer in France with 27 goals would be lured away from the Stade de Gerland despite interest from Europe's superpowers.

"It was complicated and long," the 24-year-old France international declared after putting pen to paper to a deal worth reportedly 4,5 million euros ($4.9 million, £3.1 million) a year.

"I let it be known my wish to stay at the club and to refuse any outside offer," he added.

"The important thing for me was not whether I would extend my contract or not, but to stay at the club.

"I knew that I was going to stay here."

He becomes Lyon's top earner ahead of playmaker Clement Grenier, who has also signed a new deal.

Among those suitors intent on signing up the £30 million (42 million euro, $46.5 million)-rated striker were Premier League sides Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal.

Saturday's announcement follows Lyon manager Hubert Fournier's assertion on July 24 that Lacazette would remain a Lyon player.

Seven-time former champions Lyon finished second to champions Paris-Saint Germain last season, and open their 2015-2016 campaign at home to Lorient on Sunday.