Real Madrid ponder shock move for former Arsenal striker

Real Madrid are considering a shock move for Alexandre Lacazette following Lyon’s provisional demotion to Ligue 2.

WHAT HAPPENED?

According to a report from Fichajes, Real Madrid are considering a sensational move for Lyon striker Alexandre Lacazette in the upcoming January transfer window. The 33-year-old’s contract with the French outfit expires at the end of this season, and Los Blancos want to use that as an advantage to lure the Frenchman to the Santiago Bernabeu in January.

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THE BIGGER PICTURE

National Directorate of Management Control (NDMC), the financial watchdogs of French football, have handed Lyon with punishment in light of their reported debts of around €500 million (£418m). Lyon will be banned from making any signings in January, and should they fail to clean up their financial mess by the end of this season, they will be relegated to Ligue 2. Additionally, the club’s payroll will be under the NDMC’s supervision from here on.

Madrid want to use Lyon’s problems as an opportunity to solve their own. The club like Lacazette and want to sign him as early as January by preparing a €5 million offer. The former Arsenal forward has scored 58 goals in 88 appearances since returning to Groupama Stadium in 2022. Signing him could provide manager Carlo Ancelotti with one more option in attack, who offers something no one else could in this squad.

DID YOU KNOW?

Lacazette’s potential arrival could signal the end of Endrick’s season at Real Madrid. After scoring on his LaLiga and Champions League debut, the gifted youngster has become an afterthought for Carlo Ancelotti. With a lack of playing time, the 18-year-old could weigh up his options in January and seek a loan exit, with Real Valladolid interested. There has been interest from outside Spain, too, with Tottenham Hotspur and Juventus eyeing a January move for the Brazilian international.

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WHAT NEXT?

Real Madrid have missed a traditional No. 9, fox-in-the-box type of profile in their squad this season. They have missed a profile like Joselu’s, who turned up with crucial goals last season. As such, signing Lacazette could prove to be beneficial to Ancelotti and Co. as they aim to retain their grip on the league as well as in Europe. It remains to be seen if Madrid actually go through with the move, though.

With the winter transfer window still over a month away from commencing, Real Madrid will be focused on making ground on rivals Barcelona in the league, who are six points ahead at the top of the table having played one game more. The defending LaLiga champions will take on Leganes on Sunday, November 24, following the ongoing international break.