Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp had stated that he is looking to strengthen the squad in the summer and the striker’s position is one that really needs a lot of attention. While Liverpool do have Daniel Sturridge, Roberto Firmino and Divock Origi on board, the Englishman is destined to leave the club and Lyon star Alexandre Lacazette is being linked with a move to Anfield.
The French striker has been one of the most consistent players for the Ligue 1 side and was even rumoured to be moving last summer but nothing concrete took place. This time around, a number of Premier League clubs are interested in the 25-year-old, who has scored 22 goals in 23 league appearances.
Even his manager, Bruno Genesio stated that Lacazette could be off in the summer and the striker would fetch a hefty sum for the French side.
“I don’t know, he’s happy at OL, isn’t he? (laughter),” Genesio told Telefoot (via Liverpool Echo) when asked about Lacazette’s future this weekend.
“We’ll see at the end of the season, it could be hard to keep him but we’ll see.”
The 25-year-old has always been amongst the goals having scored 119 goals in 261 appearances for Lyon.
Lacazette could also be moving to Arsenal as the Gunners have been linked the French striker for a number of years and the rumours could be a ploy to get as many clubs interested as possible. The only club in France that might want to sign him up is PSG and that probably would not go down well with the Lyon faithful and Lacazette himself.
A replacement for Sturridge but is he worth it?
While there is no denying the fact that Lacazette is one of the most complete strikers in world football, there is a big question as to how he would fit into the Liverpool XI.
The Reds are known for their high pressing game and the work that Firmino does isn’t just taking a central role and smacking the ball into the goal but also pressuring the opposition defence and linking up with the rest of the attack.
Lacazette isn’t known for his defensive contributions and that would be a problem for Liverpool as they look to continue playing in the same manner. The French striker could be termed as a better version of Daniel Sturridge, who does not get injured and is consistently scoring goals in the French league.
Liverpool would also have to pay through their noses if they want to sign Lacazette up but that is something that Klopp has stated he will do should he find a player that fits into the Liverpool team perfectly.
If the Reds want an out and out striker that will guarantee them goals every year, they have found the right man in Lacazette but the Frenchman is not the right player to perform in the current Liverpool system.
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