Barcelona already have Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar but are still planning to strengthen their attack. Reports in France suggest that Lyon striker Alexandre Lacazette has peaked the Catalans’ interest.
The Barcelona manager is concerned at the lack of bench strength and is looking for a striker who can lift some of the burden from Suarez’s shoulder and ensure he doesn’t suffer from burnout.
The reports have been published by French newspaper L'Equipe, stating the forward is set for a move to the Camp Nou in the summer. The Frenchman has been in fine form of late scoring 6 goals in the last 7 matches for Lyon.
In all, he has 20 goals this season, 18 in the league and 2 in the Champions League. Lacazette’s stock has been rising over the past couple of years now and his performances have attracted the interest of several big clubs.
Arsenal were said to be interested last summer but a move never materialized . But Barca seem to have been convinced by his ability and will attempt to sign the hitman. Lacazette has a contract with his club that runs until 2019.
He has already represented his country, and is entering the peak years of his career which would make it the best time for him to move. Premier League clubs West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur are also said to be interested in signing him.
West Ham might have a realistic chance of signing the player since they already have Dimitri Payet. The midfielder might prove vital in trying to convince his fellow countryman to make the move to London.
Of course, when Barca come calling players usually don’t think twice. The star will probably command a fee of around £24 million which Barcelona shouldn’t have a problem with. Enrique has been short of options when he needs to change things in matches this season.
The departure of Pedro and Fabregas have probably affected the depth of the squad and Enrique is looking to fill that void. Barcelona suffered a mini-slump recently when they lost 3 games in a row in La Liga.
His starting XI were unable to come up with the goods and the run saw them let their rivals back in the title race. Enrique refused to use his subs regularly during any of the games because he probably felt he did not have anyone who could make an impact.
But signing Lacazette could be the start of a rebuilding process that could strengthen his side for next season.
