Premier League champions Manchester City should take a look at Iran international Sardar Azmoun, former Zenit St Petersburg midfielder Gennady Orlov tells Zenit Radio.
With his contract expiring next summer, Azmoun is in a position of real strength heading into the January transfer window.
Funds are still tight across the continent following months of football behind-closed-doors. And Azmoun’s status as a soon-to-be free-agent will do his chances of securing a move to one of Europe’s top five leagues no harm at all.
Premier League trio Arsenal, West Ham and Everton have been linked recently.
Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas, meanwhile, admitted that he would back manager Peter Bosz’s pursuit of the former FC Rostov ace (TMW).
Orlov, however, feels that Lyon would be a rather underwhelming destination for a striker capable of thriving at a far higher level.
Should Manchester City sign Sardar Azmoun?
“Well, what can Azmoun win with Lyon?” he asks. “Think about it. Or will PSG be disbanded?
“I respect Serdar and I will be glad to see him (at a big European club).
“But it’s another thing to play for Manchester City, Bayern Munich or some Italian club. For some reason, he is not invited there.”
Azmoun fired Zenit St Petersburg to the Russian title last season with 19 goals in all competitions. In September, he admitted that the league champions had turned down a bid from Tottenham Hotspur.
Zenit may have no choice but to cash in next month, however, as fears grow that their £17 million talisman could leave the Gazprom Arena for nothing.
Pep Guardiola’s shimmering City side may have battered Leeds United 7-0 on Tuesday night but you get the feeling that they are still a striker short. And while Azmoun would not arrive with the same expectations as, say a Harry Kane or a Dusan Vlahovic, his CV deserves respect.
Azmoun gave Chelsea the runaround in last week’s 3-3 Champions League draw, scoring a fine solo goal on the stroke of half-time.
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