Transfer Zone: Gunners in for Lacazette?
With the new season for Europe’s top-flight leagues just a few weeks away, the transfer market is in full swing. We bring you thus, our weekly rundown of some of the deals that have gone down or could be in the works.
Lacazette on Gunners’ Radar
Having completed the signing of center-back Rob Holding from Bolton, Arsenal are still in the hunt for a striker to provide competition for Olivier Giroud. The latest goal-getter to wind up on the Gunners’ radar is none other than Alexander Lacazette. Lacazette, 25, has scored 48 goals for Lyon in the past two seasons and has reportedly informed his club he wants to leave. Provided the North Londoners can see off interest from the likes of PSG, Barcelona and West Ham, Lacazette could be theirs for around £50M.
Gotze Going Back to Dortmund
After an underwhelming three-year spell at Bayern Munich, Mario Gotze is on his way back to Borussia Dortmund. Although there were moments, the World Cup-winning goal scorer never really played his way into a regular spot in the starting lineup of a Bayern team that was top-loaded with attacking options. Gotze, who admits he regrets joining Bayern in the first place, has re-signed for Dortmund on a four-year deal. The 24-year-old’s arrival will come as a boost to a Dortmund team that has lost key players Mats Hummels (Bayern Munich), Ilkay Gundogan (Manchester City), and Henrikh Mkhitaryan (Manchester United).
Lukaku for Chelsea…again?
Speaking of returns, Romelu Lukaku is the latest striker Chelsea has been linked with to provide competition, or perhaps backup for Diego Costa. Lukaku has made no secret of his desire to leave Everton for a place where he could get Champions League football on the regular. While Chelsea don’t fit that bill at the moment, it won’t be long before the Blues are back on the top of the charts and competing in Europe once again. But Lukaku may not be new manager Antonio Conte’s first choice. It’s believed the former Italy and Juventus boss would prefer Real Madrid’s Alvaro Morata.
Citizen Kroos?
As the Manchester clubs continue in their effort to sign all of the players in Europe, it’s been reported that new Man City boss Pep Guardiola is looking to bring Tony Kroos to the Etihad. The two spent one season together at Bayern and Guardiola rates him highly. Kroos could be available for around £50M as Real Madrid look to raise cash and clear out a midfield spot as they prepare to mount a £100M bid for Paul Pogba.
City are also reported to be one of the host of club’s pursuing Brazilian Gabriel Jesus. The 19-year-old striker, who is the latest player to be saddled with the “New Neymar” tag, scored 26 goals in 67 appearances for Palmeiras and was named Best Newcomer in the Brazilian Serie A this season.
Rakitic out, RVP in?
Barcelona playmaker Ivan Rakitic has set the rumor mill into motion after his agent tweeted that “It’s time to go,” following the arrival of Andre Gomez to the Camp Nou. Although the Croatian is not being linked to any other clubs at this time, it could be one to watch.
In other Barcelona news, it’s been reported that the club could reignite its interest in bringing Robin van Persie in as backup for Luis Suarez. The Dutchman, currently at Fenerbahce, has put himself on the market this summer but has failed to attract significant interest in the Premier League.