Scouting PSG Transfer Target Alexandre Lacazette

We have not even reached the first week of the Ligue 1 season and French football is at a crossroads. Everyone—perhaps apart from fans of Paris Saint-Germain—wants a title race, or even just a challenge, but they could be blown out the water before a ball is even kicked.

After selling Samuel Umtiti to FC Barcelona for €25 million and the potential departure of Corentin Tolisso to Napoli, per L’Equipe (h/t Get French Football News), Olympique Lyonnais have been hit by the news that star striker Alexandre Lacazette would favour a move this summer.

L’Equipe (h/t Sport Witness) reports that the French striker has told the club of his desire to leave during the current transfer window, with Arsenal and PSG linked by the French daily newspaper.

Alexandre Lacazette has told Lyon he wants to move this summer, according to ‘several sources’. #PSG and #Arsenal both interested (L’Equipe)

— Matt Spiro (@mattspiro) July 21, 2016

Over the last two campaigns, Lacazette has been one of Europe’s most coveted strikers. Lyon have managed to hold on to him for now, but his time at the club could be up and president Jean-Michel Aulas may be forced into a difficult decision.

He could hold out for a bid from an English club, even taking less than what he would ideally want, or he could—if they made a genuine offer—sell him to their biggest league rivals and the most dominant team in France.

As Ligue1.com journalist, Matt Spiro tweeted on Friday, this would all but rule out any sort of title race in the coming season.

@mattspiro surely if Lyon sell Lacazette to PSG it would be the end of any lingering hope of a competitive Ligue 1 title race

— Matt Spiro (@mattspiro) July 22, 2016

PSG’s interest has been known for some time, even back in May the striker’s brother was talking about the interest from the capital club.

“Paris’ interest was apparent last year. After the departure of Zlatan, they’ll look to reinforce that area,” he said, per Le Parisien (h/t FourFourTwo). “It’s not impossible that Alexandre will go there, but it’s not a certainty. We’re not closing any door. For the moment, we’re looking.”

When speaking exclusively to Jason Burt of the Telegraph in January, Lacazette talked about how the transfer stories in the past had affected him and why he thinks he is ready for a move:

Now I am used to dealing with all the rumours. But when they started, maybe two years ago, I was destabilised a little by it. But now …

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