Liverpool are yet to figure out their key targets for next season after a meager transfer window so far this summer. The Reds, however, have stepped up their bid to bring a new striker to the club given the uncertainty over Christian Benteke’s future at Anfield.
According to French publication Le10 Sport, Liverpool have earmarked Lyon’s Alexandre Lacazette as one of their targets this summer and are considering to bid in the region of £32-34million in the coming days.
The news would come as a blow for Arsenal fans who themselves have struggled to sign a striker this summer as well. After being linked with the likes of Jamie Vardy, Alvaro Morata, Mauro Icardi and Karim Benzema; the Gunners have only managed to sign Takuma Asano, which has not gone down well with the fans.
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The North London outfit were reportedly keen on activating Lacazette’s £34m release clause with the player seeking a move away from Lyon this summer. Lacazette feels he has done enough for the Ligue 1 side and should look for a new challenge ahead of next season.
He is open to a move to England but is yet to see a concrete bid being put forward by any of the sides. West Ham had submitted a £30m offer for the French striker which was turned down by Lyon. To sign Lacazette this summer any team will have to splash the reported £34m release clause or else he is more likely to remain at Lyon next season.
Liverpool’s new found interest in Lacazette could force Arsenal to make an emergency bid as Jurgen Klopp will have the money to spend following Benteke’s imminent move to Crystal Palace. Palace are confident of signing the Belgian striker and are willing to match Liverpool’s £31.3m asking price.
Once Benteke’s deal goes through, the Reds will make a swoop for Lacazette and bring him to further boast the attacking threat at Anfield. Daniel Sturridge, Divock Origi and Danny Ings are the current strikers at Liverpool but with Lacazette up front, Liverpool will have a more prolific goal-scorer to lead their attack.
Lacazette managed to score over 40 league goals in the last 2 seasons in France and given his pace and finishing abilities Klopp would love to have a player of his caliber leading his attack next season. As for Arsenal, we may see another sorry tale of them dithering and eventually losing out on the target to one of their rivals.
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