Liverpool have been linked with several strikers over the past few months. However, one name that repeatedly appears in the speculations is Olympique Lyon’s Alexandre Lacazette.
The 25-year old has been brilliant for the French side over the past couple of seasons and has clearly stated his intentions about wanting to leave in the summer.
With speculations surrounding the future of Daniel Sturridge, who is widely expected to leave in the summer, it makes sense for the Reds to target a new No.9 over the summer. While Roberto Firmino has done an admirable job operating as a false-nine this term for Jurgen Klopp’s side, adding quality in depth to the position will be key for the German.
Lacazette has been in fine form this season and has netted 31 goals from 40 appearances across all competitions. He has been the driving force behind Lyon’s 4th position in the Ligue 1 and has led the team to the semi-finals of the UEFA Europa League as well.
In total, the 25-year old French international has 123 strikes for the French outfit, from 270 games and has also made 10 appearances for the Les Bleus.
However, he has said in the past that the deciding factor in his move away from Lyon will be the club’s ability to offer regular Champions League football. Last year, Lacazette said:
“Everything depends on the destination. It would have to be for a Champions League club. Barcelona and Real Madrid – you don’t reject them.”
Champions League has been a bone of contention for the Reds in the past as they haven’t been involved in the premiere European competition for three seasons now.
However, that could change next season, as Liverpool find themselves 3rd in the Premier League. The Reds have accumulated 66 points from 33 league games and sit 2 points ahead of 4th placed Manchester City, who have a game in hand.
The fact that Liverpool have a fairly easier run into the final stretch of the season stacks the odds heavily in their favour. They will face just two top-half table teams in Watford and Southampton. The rest of the three games are against West Ham United and relegation battlers Crystal Palace and Middlesbrough.
There will be challenges along the way, especially with Liverpool having been hit with a spate of injuries in the business end of the season.
Star attacker and leading goal-scorer Sadio Mane has been ruled out for the season and captain Jordan Henderson too is doubtful to play any part in the last few weeks of the league action. Adam Lallana has been unavailable for a long time now but has returned to training. He might take some time to become match fit.
There are doubts over the fitness of Joel Matip, Ragnar Klavan, and Lucas Leiva as well, for the upcoming game against Palace. But the quality of the likes of Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino is expected to be enough to carry them across the line.
Having failed to replace star striker Luis Suarez after he left for Barcelona in the summer of 2014, the 25-year old Frenchman will go a long way in filling those vacant boots. Signing someone like Lacazette, who is capable of scoring 20 goals per season, would undoubtedly improve Liverpool and provide them an edge over their rivals. But for that to happen, Champions League qualification will be crucial.