Liverpool Transfer News: Alexandre Lacazette Boost, Luciano Vietto Bid Rumours

Liverpool have received a significant boost in their quest to sign Olympique Lyonnais star forward Alexandre Lacazette, after the Frenchman admitted he could leave for new pastures in the summer.

According to Will Giles of Metro.co.uk, Lacazette said:

"

For now, I'm at Lyon and contracted, but you never know what may happen this summer. 

There will be a discussion between the President and myself—we will see if I continue at Lyon or not.

... 

If the president wants me to leave for the good of the club or for other reasons, I will be forced to leave. 

We know that in football, everyone can go every summer. 

This is not an open door, just reality.

"

The 23-year-old has been in outstanding form for Lyon this season, and The Associated Press' Jerome Pugmire as well as Squawka Football indicate that his tally of 23 league goals rivals the scoring records of Europe's elite:

Lacazette burst onto the scene last year with 15 league goals and has gone on to impress with his composure in front of goal and ability to find the net consistently.

As the video below shows, Lacazette is comfortable in one-on-one situations, shooting from distance and poaching inside the box:

Thanks in large part to his efforts, Lyon currently sit at the top of Ligue 1.

Lacazette's pace and power cause significant problems for defenders, according to French football expert Andrew Gibney (h/t Bleacher Report's Karl Matchett):

"

Lacazette's time on the wing for OL has helped his development. His pace helps him drift wide and beat the defence with pace, and great upper body strength. However, he also loves to receive the ball with his back to goal. Then he will either spin and beat them with pace, or link up with team-mates to get in behind. But if you stand off him, he is not afraid to shoot from distance...and score.

"

The striker is just what Liverpool need after the departure of Luis Suarez and the complete flop that has been Mario Balotelli.

Daniel Sturridge has of course missed most of the season through injury, but Balotelli and Rickie Lambert have managed just three league goals between them, forcing Brendan Rodgers to frequently deploy Raheem Sterling as a striker.

Jon Super/Associated Press

Lacazette may not be in quite the same league as Suarez yet, but his acquisition would be a big step towards the Reds returning to the heights of last season.

What's more, at 23 years old, Lacazette has his best years ahead of him.

Of course, Lyon will be reluctant to let him go. As Giles notes, chairman Jean-Michel Aulas has stated Lacazette is not for sale. 

Liverpool will no doubt face stiff competition for the forward's signature. Sport 360's James Piercy believes Arsenal are a possible destination:

Meanwhile, James Whaling of the Mirror reports Tottenham as another club in contention to sign Lacazette.

To acquire him, Liverpool would do themselves no harm in securing a UEFA Champions League place and will need to be prepared to splash the cash, as the striker will no doubt prove an expensive transfer.

On his current form, though, he looks worth every penny.

According to Fichajes.net (h/t Jamie Sanderson of Metro.co.uk), another Reds target is Luciano Vietto, who Liverpool want to sign "as soon as possible."

The £12.2 million-rated Vietto has scored 20 goals for Villarreal this season, and the 21-year-old Argentine has earned a reputation as "the new Sergio Aguero."

High praise indeed. Beyond his goalscoring, the youngster also has six assists this season, per WhoScored.com, so his link-up play would be an added benefit to Liverpool's side.

The video below show's some of Vietto's impressive array of goals and assists this season:

Vietto would be more of a gamble than Lacazette, as he is less experienced and has not had a long enough career to indicate whether his goalscoring exploits are a flash in the pan or not.

However, he would also be far cheaper.

Liverpool desperately need reinforcements up front, and so if they fail to land Lacazette, Vietto would be a promising option indeed.