West Ham United have reportedly submitted a huge bid for Alexandre Lacazette , one of the best strikers in Ligue 1. Liverpool and Manchester United were strongly linked with the striker last year, however the interest seems to have waned.
Alexandre Lacazette has had a prolific season with Olympique Lyon, scoring 23 goals and registering 3 assists as they finished second in the Ligue 1 table.
The 25 year old striker has drawn interest from a number of top Premier League clubs, including Liverpool in the beginning of 2015 and Manchester United last summer. However, Lacazette’s move to the Premier League could now take him to London instead of the North West.
West Ham United have offered Olympique Lyon £40 million for Lacazette, according to French publication L’Equipe.
The Hammers finished the last season at seventh place, only 4 points shy of the Champions League spot. Their move to the Olympic Stadium is expected to generate massive revenues, which could enable manager Slaven Bilic to turn the team into a Champions League side, should they sign quality players this summer.
West Ham’s massive bid for the Frenchman, who was also targeted by La Liga champions Barcelona, is a testamant to their new found ambition.
The club are keen to address the dearth of top class central strikers in their squad. Andy Carroll is too mercurial of a striker, while Diafra Sakho has largely been anonymous this past season. Lacazette would slot straight into the starting XI, if West Ham are able to sign the player.
Lyon has previously rejected West Ham’s bid of around £32 million, according to the Daily Express. Even the player himself is believed to be disinterested in a move to the Olympic Stadium, preferring a transfer to a Champions League playing side, but Lyon president Jean Michel Aulas is expected to be tempted by the massive transfer fee that West Ham have offered this time.
Liverpool and Manchester United in a different situation after 2015-16 season
The two Premier League rivals were interested in Lacazette last year, but things have changed int he course of this past season.
Although, Manchester United suffered a goal drought last season, courtsey of Louis Van Gaal’s tactics, there is abundance of attacking talent in the squad including the likes of Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s imminent move to Old Trafford means that United will now focus on signing quality midfielders.
Liverpool, on the other hand, have as many as 5 strikers in their squad. Daniel Sturridge, after spending almost the entire season on the side lines due to injuries, is back and running, while Roberto Firmino and Divock Origi have shone under new manager Jurgen Klopp.
Christian Benteke is underutilized and former Burnley striker Danny Ings is ready to return to action. Liverpool have an adequate strike force and do not need another striker, unless they off load anyone of them.
