12 Mar 2017 10:08:50
Ed02 is there any update on rachid ghezzel? Thanks.
{Ed002's Note - Lyon's Rachid Ghezzal was watched on several occasions last season by Arsenal's senior scout in France. PSG, Galatasaray, West Ham, Everton and Stoke City all spoke with Lyon last summer about the player but they had no interest in selling and a good offer from Everton was rebuffed. But if he does not renew his contract then he can become a free agent in the summer. Stoke saw Ghezzal as a potential replacement for Arnautovic but he is now settled. Sunderland had an approach rejected by his agent and Lyon rebuffed initial offers from Everton and West Ham in the Summer. Everton returned with an acceptable offer but the player started thinking seriously about whether he wants to make a move from his comfortable life in South central France to the Northwest of England where there would be a significant cultural change. Late enquiries were also made by Atlético Madrid, Sevilla, Southampton and Lille in January. I suspect it'll drag out to the summer but Galatasaray are attempting to get agreement over a pre-contract Atlético Madrid but I think the player will want to see any offers from Spain or Italy before making a decision.}
12 Mar 2017 11:27:19
Cheers Ed. Will anything happen with Fekir this summer because we were interested before his injury?
{Ed002's Note - PSG, Arsenal, Inter and Manchester City all showed an interest in Fekir before he became beset by injury problems. His return to form this year has attracted the attention of a Real Madrid scout to the Stade des Lumieres to watch him on a number of occasions including in European competition. Atletico Madrid has also watched Fekir this season. With Lacazette likely to move this summer it would make Lyon reluctant to sell.}
12 Mar 2017 16:07:27
Ed,
Do you know if we still have an interest in Lacazette?
{Ed002's Note - Interest in Lyon's Alexander Lacazette from Newcastle and Inter has long gone. Additionally, whilst Guy Hillion has continued to extol his virtues but there is no support whatesoever from the folks in London for a bid at this time - so prior interest of Chelsea has gone. Barcelona, Atletico, Juventus and Spurs had him watched late last season - but Barcelona had another solution in mind for what they want and will not be following up. Juventus took it no further and moved to hold talks about another player and Spurs purchased Janssen but may still want to add a striker in the summer - but Lacazette may become an option again so I would not discount Spurs nor Juve.
West Ham enquired after Lacazette's availability previously and submitted two bids that were rejected - but wages and the lack of desire from the player to move to a club like WHU means that option has probably gone - plus Lacazette will want Champions League football.
Arsenal decided that the asking price was too high in the summer and opted, for reasons beyond me, for Lucas Perez. I don't know if they might return in the coming summer but they will be in the market for a striker and Lacazette might well be a good option for them - much will however depend on who the manager is.
He is not first or second choice for PSG but they could potentially turn to him if they fail to bring anyone else in - I think a less likely option.
I am not aware of Liverpool showing any interest in the player, but (a) if they look to move Sturridge on (which I think they will), (b) if Liverpool qualify for the Champions League, and (c) if Liverpool have the stomach to pay what will likely be €60M for the player, then Lacazette might well be an option.
Lacazette is a player that Mourinho has looked at from his time at Chelsea, but any interest will depend on what happens with Ibrahimovich. Right now they have shown no interest.
Lyon are very difficult to negotiate with and they may well see an Gallic shrug in response to any initial bids. Lacazette wants English money and Champions League or Juventus. Lyon will look for at least €10M more for a sale to an English side as they know what they can expect from elsewhere. Two French players who have played in England have been providing advice to Lacazette that it is not essential to move to England immediately, but I suspect he has other ideas now.}
12 Mar 2017 17:09:38
Brilliant.
Thank you for taking the time to give such a detailed reply.
Much obliged Ed.
{Ed002's Note - You are welcome.}