Although it’s unlikely that Liverpool ever lost interest in Lyon striker Alexandre Lacazette, as the transfer window begins to wind down, the Reds are reportedly reigniting their pursuit of the 23-year old as the on-going injury problems of Daniel Sturridge begin to weigh heavy on Merseyside.
While it’s likely nothing more than the same recycled transfer fodder that always does the rounds at this time, it does come at an opportune moment. With a move to bring on-loan Lille striker Divock Origi back to Anfield early dead in the water, reports out of France have linked Liverpool with making a move for the prolific hit-man in the coming days. The Reds have been short on fire-power all season with the likes of Fabio Borini, Rickie Lambert and Mario Balotelli all failing to hold down a starting spot on Merseyside as boss Brendan Rodgers relies on Raheem Sterling to provide the goals — something he wouldn’t have to do with Lacazette around.
Despite both Borini and Lambert finding the net against Aston Villa last weekend, the Northern Irishman overlooked both of them to hand a revitalized Sterling a starring role during the draw with Chelsea on Tuesday and the youngster responded in kind by bagging a stunning equalizer for the hosts. The youngster, who is yet to agree to a new contract with the Anfield outfit, looks set to return to his more traditional role out wide when Sturridge finally returns to action, but there’s little doubt that Rodgers will look to upgrade the attacking options currently available to him to offset any future injury troubles the England man may encounter.
Though there likely won’t be any activity this winter, Origi will provide a much needed boost in the summer, but as a raw talent, he’s far from the finished product the Reds so desperately need. While Liverpool have also been linked with an audacious move for Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema, bagging that particular Frenchman would be a serious endeavour and wouldn’t quite fit in with the Reds policy of buying young talent and developing them. Lacazette, on the other hand, fits that model perfectly and has expressed a desire to play in England in the past. On the other hand, he’s also hinted at a preference for Ligue One billionaires Paris St. Germain who, let’s face it, can buy and sell just about anyone they want.
