Steven Gerrard is reportedly considering a surprise move to lure Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette to Aston Villa this summer. Remi Garde is a big fan of the France striker, branding him “unbelievable” in 2017.
Lacazette, 30, is captaining Arsenal at this moment in time after the exit of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. He has had a hand in nine goals in his 22 appearances this season, but is out of contract at the end of the season.
Turkish outlet Sporx claim that Lacazette is demanding a wage in the region of £97,000 a week. Besiktas have been priced out of a move because of that, but his old side Lyon and Villa are said to also be looking at Lacazette.
Ex-Villa boss Garde worked with Lacazette during his time as Lyon manager and the Frenchman spoke about the Arsenal ace in an interview with the Guardian almost five years ago. He was full of praise.
“I rate him very highly,” Garde said. “He is strong enough to settle into any team. The way he supports and leads the team this season is unbelievable. He improved a lot thanks to his commitment at each training session.”
Garde on Lacazette: Do Villa really need Arsenal striker?
Villa have options in the final third. Danny Ings and Ollie Watkins are the two obvious options. Wesley remains on the books, albeit on loan in his home country of Brazil. Keinan Davis is impressing with Nottingham Forest.
Not only that, but Cameron Archer has been shining for Villa’s Under-23 side and broke into the senior team under Dean Smith. He has two goals in four for Preston, since joining the club on loan until the summer.
So, while Lacazette would be a good addition and a big-name signing, they are hardly in need of a striker – and it blocks the progress or Davis and more worryingly, Archer.
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