As so often is the case with top players who become available on the European market, Premier League competitors are always trying to beat their rivals to get the signature of a top notch foreign star.
Ramp that up tenfold with it comes to Arsenal and Tottenham.
With Paris Saint-Germain attacker Ezequiel Lavezzi said to be wanting a move away from the French club after falling out of favor with Laurent Blanc, the Gunners and Spurs are ready to pounce and get Lavezzi on board.
The Argentine playmaker tore it up at Napoli a few seasons ago as the Serie A side surged to prominence across Europe with Lavezzi and Edinson Cavanni firing them to success. But since the 28-year-old forward made his $39 million switch to the French capital in the summer of 2012 his role has diminished year on year and this campaign he’s struggling to get game time ahead of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Cavani in Les Parisiens attack.
(MORE: Monday’s Transfer Rumor Roundup - Krul to Juventus, Marica to Arsenal)
Would he be a good fit for both Spurs and Arsenal? A resounding yes. He’s clinical, can take people on and isn’t scared to have a crack at goal, that’s something Spurs in particular would love to see amongst their own attackers right now. Arsenal need back up for Olivier Giroud and Lavezzi could even compliment and play off the French international forward superbly.
Italian giants AC Milan and Internazionale are keen to take Lavezzi back to Italy and it’s thought the Argentine international will move wherever he will play most, as worries about his spot on Argentina’s World Cup roster soar as he continue to be a bench warmer at Parc de Princes.
If Arsenal or Tottenham get the chance to bring Lavezzi on board that should snap him up. A quality striker for relatively cheap who is desperate to prove himself in a World Cup year is worth his weight in gold or, you know, $20-30 million. But you get my point, he’s a poacher and a massive hassle and menace for the opposition defenders in and around the box.
Gentleman start your engines, the race to sign Lavezzi has begun.