Alexandre Lacazette transfer from Lyon to Atletico Madrid is off so could Liverpool steal a march?
Lyon’s Alexandre Lacazette celebrates scoring
The future of Lyon striker Alexandre Lacazette remains unknown after an expected move to Atletico Madrid fell through.
Lacazette had his sights set on a transfer to Atleti, but a transfer ban on the club until January now means the Frenchman has to consider his options.
Lyon’s Alexandre Lacazette
That is why the Daily Express is reporting that Liverpool are hoping to steal a march on Premier League rivals Arsenal and Manchester United and sign the £50m-rated forward.
It is a deal that could genuinely make Juergen Klopp’s men title contenders in 2017/18, because one of the key elements missing from the last campaign is a consistent goalscorer.
Philippe Coutinho finished 2016/17 as the Reds’ top-scorer with 14 goals in all competitions, but the midfielder is the side’s main source of creativity and not a striker.
Liverpool’s Philippe Coutinho has a shot at goal
Roberto Firmino has generally operated in that number nine, or false nine, role and yet the Brazilian only managed 12 strikes. Meanwhile, Daniel Sturridge has once again been injury-prone, while Divock Origi is progressing well but perhaps cannot be relied upon to lead the line for a full season.
Lacazette, meanwhile, is exactly that man. The 26-year-old scored 37 goals in 45 matches in all competitions last term and is a natural goalscorer. Any team wanting to win the title needs that in their ranks.
Atletico’s loss could be Liverpool’s gain, but the Merseyside club will need to act quickly to sign one of the prolific attackers in European football.
Prince Oniangue tackling Alexandre Lacazette
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