Despite announcing the signing of Wilfried Bony a matter of hours ago, City could be back in the transfer market as French newspaper Le Progres reported City are debating tabling a £24.8 million bid for Andrea Lacazette of Lyon. He has also been linked with Arsenal in England.
Of course, Lacazette was touted as a possible alternative to Wilfried Bony back before the Ivorian was confirmed, with the French striker not only being younger, but also cheaper. In fact, he only turned 23 last May.
This link, whilst it may or may not be false, could signal that City are about to lose another striker, hence why they’re now looking for another forward. Stevan Jovetic and Edin Dzeko have both been linked with moves away from the club this January, although a move is possibly more likely in the summer when City have more time to find a replacement.
Questions have to be asked about whether City can even afford to sign Lacazette in this window, what with the transfer of Bony from Swansea being confirmed. The punishments for breaking Financial Fair Play are still in place limiting City’s spending, and unless The Blues somehow find enough money from somewhere, signing Lacazette this January looks unlikely.
The Lyon president also came out in recent days and said that Lacazette would not be leaving the club in this window, with the Ligue 1 side keen to keep one of their star men. OL currently sit atop their domestic league, due in part to the efforts of Lacazette with 19 goals already this season – 11 more than any other Lyon player.
Whilst a move does look admittedly unlikely, there is always the possibility it could happen, and it would most likely be a good signing. Lacazette is young and he scores a lot, two big traits. However, if he keeps up his current form he’s likely to have more teams than just City bidding for him.
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UPDATE: City have reportedly increased their interest in the French striker, with The Express reporting that Lacazette has admitted he wants to play in the Premier League, but would also consider a Spanish move, saying “between England and Spain, I don’t have a preference”.
