Throughout the summer we analysed the possible transfer of Alexandre Lacazette from Lyon. At one point it even looked probable. We even compared his statistics against Falcao’s when it looked as though it was a straight battle between the two.
You can read both here:
- Transfer News: Blues Ready To Add Lyon’s Top Scorer Lacazette
- Falcao v Lacazette: Why Chelsea Should Sign France International
Our analysis came out favourably for Lacazette, which ended with us recommending that we sign him over Falcao. What most likely happened is that Chelsea didn’t want to risk £30 million on him and Falcao was available on loan – a much lower risk option.
Unless that risk is losing the Premier League crown. Because that’s the biggest worry at Stamford Bridge right now given our torrid start to the season.
Which means that it now looks possible we could see Lacazette and Falcao in the same Chelsea squad this season. No one saw that coming.
The good news is that Lyon may be more prepared to sell in January than they were in the summer – probably because he’s not scoring goals.
The bad news is that he’s not scoring goals!
53 goals in his last 2 seasons at Lyon is impressive, but 1 goal in his first 7 games this season is less so.
Regardless, our strike force is looking paper thin:
- Costa leads the line but his reputation is sure to precede him with referees for the rest of the season
- Falcao looks a shadow of his former self and injury prone to boot
- Remy, for reasons unknown, doesn’t seem to be trusted with a regular Premier League starting spot
And with the Champions League hotting up post-Christmas, fixtures will come thick and fast. Jose will need to utilise a full squad if we harbour any ambitions of challenging on all fronts.
For my money, I still think we should have plumped for Lacazette back in the summer. If he’s available in January, I’d certainly consider re-inforcing what we already have.
£30 million may well be the difference between retaining and losing the Premier League crown. Something you can’t put a price on.
