Long linked with a move to the Premier League, the chatter around Lyon forward Alexandre Lacazette is heating up once again as the season winds down and we get closer to silly season. The usual suspects are all present and accounted for with both Liverpool and Arsenal reported to be renewing their interest in the 25-year old and, in what has become something of a tradition, the French club publicly pleading for him to stay in Ligue-1 for just one more year.
“The departure of Alex would be very difficult for our club,” Lyon director Bernard Lacombe told French media outlet RMC. “Because even if we could make lots of money, he is an immense player and I do not think that we will understand the magnitude of his departure fully until it happens. Then, it will be a lot more difficult for us, even if we make a good decision on the replacement that would come in,” explained the club’s former forward. “I do not know which team he will go to. I hope for only one thing, that he will stay with us for another year, or two, because he is an immense player.”
Rumour has it that struggling Reds striker Daniel Sturridge will be sold off this summer as boss Jurgen Klopp looks to reshape his squad with what will reportedly be the largest transfer kitty ever handed out in the history of the club. While there’s been no direct indication from the German manager that the Frenchman is a target, he tends to play his cards pretty close to his chest. With that being said, Lacazette has long been on the radar of the Anfield hierarchy and his outstanding tally of 24-year league goals thus far has certainly done nothing to dissuade them from keeping a watchful eye. Klopp has already said he’ll be looking to add attacking options and the powerful forward is one of the best in the business — with that being said, some people think he should be looking to add quality in other parts of the pitch.
“There is a lot to admire about Liverpool and the way they play,” said former Reds midfielder turned pundit Danny Murphy. “I love the fact Jurgen Klopp is adamant they are going to play on the front foot and are going to go after teams – that’s what fans want to see,” added the Englishman. “Liverpool are great to watch, they’ve got some tremendous forward players, creative players, but they need more quality in defence,” continued Murphy, beating a familiar drum. “They need to spend money on defensive players in the summer.”
