Arsenal FC, Liverpool FC Among Wolves at the Door Targeting Lille OSC Pieces

Over the weekend, Lille captured their first Ligue 1 title since 1956 with one game still left on the schedule and completed their domestic double. Their run of good form has seen them lead Ligue 1 in scoring and rank second in goals conceded.

The dust has yet to settle on their accomplishments, but their ability to defend their title is beginning to face long odds.

With the transfer season ready to begin, the likes of Arsenal FC, Liverpool FC, Manchester City and a host of other big-name clubs are rumored to be weighing up an approach for some of Lille’s most important pieces.

Moussa Sow is the Ligue 1 goal scoring leader heading into the final slate of games. With 22 goals and three assists, Sow has established himself as one of the premier offensive talents in Ligue 1. The Senegalese forward has been in impressive form during the season after arriving on a free transfer from Rennes prior to this season.

At 25 years old, he is being linked with Arsenal, Tottenham and others. Sow appears to have a preference to stay at Lille, but the chance to move to a “big” club may be too great to pass up at this point in his career.

Sow’s strike partner, Gervinho, has also been tracked by Arsenal, Tottenham, Manchester City, Everton and Liverpool. The Ivory Coast international has only one year remaining on his contract, and it would be in Lille’s best interest to get something in return for the soon-to-be 24-year-old.

His stats have been impressive, as he has 15 goals along with nine assists on the season. His pace and ability with the ball at his feet allows him to play out on the wing as well as in a forward role. This versatility makes him an attractive option for teams.

Vice captain Yohan Cabaye has been the subject of speculation from Bayern Munich and Arsenal, among others. He has been a main cog in the Lille midfield who has helped to keep the scoring machine running.

His nine assists and two goals don't fully represent his value in the team. The French international is a glue-type player, doing all the little things to go along with setting the table and providing another attack option from the midfield. His leadership will be hard to replace if he moves on this summer.

Adil Rami has been a star in the back four for Lille in helping their defense stay near the top of the list in fewest goals allowed this season. A fee with Valencia was agreed upon for Rami in January, and he has been on loan at Lille since.

Even though they have had a longer time to prepare for his loss, Rami will not be easy to replace. His form for club and country has established him as a top-notch defender.

Eden Hazard’s name has been all over the transfer rumor pages for the better part of the past year. The speedy winger is perhaps the most sought after summer target. With Inter Milan, Liverpool, Arsenal, Juventus and Real Madrid all supposedly tracking him, the competition for his signature could launch a large bidding war for his services.

The comparisons to Messi and Ronaldo have set the table for every big club to come knocking for the Ligue 1 Player of the Year. It remains to be seen if Hazard is set to leave Lille. He has made comments recently placing him on both sides of the stay-or-go fence.

Losing any combination of Sow, Gervinho, Cabaye or Hazard to go along with the loss of Rami will push Lille down the table in Ligue 1 next season. While the money brought in from any sales of these players can be turned into replacements, getting high-quality players of a similar caliber to come to Ligue 1 is often difficult due to the financial system in France.

With the wolves at the door, Lille will be hard-pressed to come close to matching their success from this season when the 2011-2012 season rolls around.