Liverpool are still in pursuit for Lyon’s French striker Alexandre Lacazette according to French media L’Equipe and the paper also claims that the Reds are very close to sign the Frenchman.
Despite the expensive signings of Christian Benteke and Roberto Firmino, the Reds will still move for the 24-year-old striker, who has been linked with Premier League clubs Arsenal and Liverpool move for the entirety of the summer transfer window.
The French forward has reportedly told the Lyon hierarchy that he wants to leave his home town side and move to England. This had led to him burning bridges at the Stade de Gerland and the relationship between player and club has soured over the summer after he told them he wanted to leave.
Lacazette is one of the most sought after strikers in Europe after he notched up 27 goals in 33 Ligue 1 fixtures last season as Lyon narrowly missed out on a first league title since 2008. Arsenal and Manchester United are been rumoured to have been monitoring the 13 times capped French international forward.
The Reds look set to add even further attacking reinforcements after their poor showing in front of goal last season after the loss of Luis Suarez. Thus far they have spent £80million on Danny Ings, Christian Benteke, Roberto Firmino, Nathaniel Clyne, Joe Gomez while James Milner and Adam Bogdan have been signed on a free transfers. Lacazette’s move would bring the summer spending for the Anfield club to over £100million.
With Liverpool looking for a reduced sale price after a spending spree this summer, Lyon are holding out for fee of £20million for their young striker and it remains to be seen if the evaluation will be met.
Elsewhere, there was a another boost for Brendan Rodgers as Daniel Sturridge is expected to make his return to action next month for the crucial league fixture against Manchester United. Sturridge has missed the entire pre-season schedule as he recovers from the hip operation he underwent at the end of last season.