Arsenal have suffered a blow in their pursuit of Alexandre Lacazette of Lyon but received encouraging news regarding the potential capture of Inter Milan captain Mauro Icardi.

Lyon boss Bruno Genesio told the French team’s official website he believes the predatory striker will remain at Les Gones despite the Gunners’ inquiries to sign Lacazette (h/t Metro‘s Jon Harvey).

The manager said: “The squad is very calm. The players are not impacted. I have discussions with [Alexandre] Lacazette. It’s my job to ask these players to be there. They are honest discussions between a coach and a player. We will not lose Lacazette, I am confident.”

The French club initially confirmed rumours the Gunners want Lacazette. In an official statement in response to Arsenal’s interest, they said (h/t the Mirror‘s Darren Lewis and Joe Mewis):

Olympique Lyonnais categorically deny having received an offer of €48 million from Arsenal for the transfer of Alexandre Lacazette, as LeProgres report this morning.

The club is disappointed that Le Progres didn’t go to the effort of contacting us before publishing this false information, which creates confusion on the day the club is publishing its annual figures.

The reality is that Arsenal made a €35million bid, which Olympique Lyonnais turned down for one reason: l’OL will keep Alexandre Lacazette, who is irreplaceable and who is one of the main leaders in Bruno Genesio‘s squad.

As the door appears to close on a swift move for Lacazette, there is hope Icardi could force his way out of Inter to join the Gunners.

Marc Mayo of Gazzetta World (h/t Bruce Archer of the Express) reported the Argentina international is considering boycotting warm-up matches in an attempt to trigger a move to north London. Icardi has continued to train under the supervision of Inter boss Roberto Mancini but is unhappy. Club president Erick Thohir informed the skipper they’ll soon offer him a new deal worth almost €4 million per season.

Napoli also want Icardi and see him as their natural replacement for the recently departed Gonzalo Higuain. However, Inter have already turned down two firm offers for the attacker, including a €60 million bid, per Mayo.

The prodigal talent scored 16 goals in 33 Serie A matches last term, according to WhoScored.com, proving himself to be one of the continent’s most exciting strikers.

Here is Icardi in action:

OptaPaolo provided further statistics proving the attacker’s worth:

Either Lacazette or Icardi would be perfect captures for Arsene Wenger, and both attackers have plenty of development left in their individual games.

According to the rumours, Icardi appears the most keen to make the switch to England, and the talisman would transform the outlook of Arsenal’s attack.

The forward has dramatically improved since leaving Sampdoria in 2013 and has outgrown his environment at the San Siro.

Icardi needs to play for a team like Arsenal to fully make the breakthrough at international level, and a starring role under Wenger will bring him the kudos he deserves.

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Arsenal have suffered a blow in their pursuit of Alexandre Lacazette of Lyon but received encouraging news regarding the potential capture of Inter Milan captain Mauro Icardi.

Lyon boss Bruno Genesio told the French team’s official website he believes the predatory striker will remain at Les Gones despite the Gunners’ inquiries to sign Lacazette (h/t Metro‘s Jon Harvey).

The manager said: “The squad is very calm. The players are not impacted. I have discussions with [Alexandre] Lacazette. It’s my job to ask these players to be there. They are honest discussions between a coach and a player. We will not lose Lacazette, I am confident.”

The French club initially confirmed rumours the Gunners want Lacazette. In an official statement in response to Arsenal’s interest, they said (h/t the Mirror‘s Darren Lewis and Joe Mewis):

Olympique Lyonnais categorically deny having received an offer of €48 million from Arsenal for the transfer of Alexandre Lacazette, as LeProgres report this morning.

The club is disappointed that Le Progres didn’t go to the effort of contacting us before publishing this false information, which creates confusion on the day the club is publishing its annual figures.

The reality is that Arsenal made a €35million bid, which Olympique Lyonnais turned down for one reason: l’OL will keep Alexandre Lacazette, who is irreplaceable and who is one of the main leaders in Bruno Genesio‘s squad.

As the door appears to close on a swift move for Lacazette, there is hope Icardi could force his way out of Inter to join the Gunners.

Marc Mayo of Gazzetta World (h/t Bruce Archer of the Express) reported the Argentina international is considering boycotting warm-up matches in an attempt to trigger a move to north London. Icardi has continued to train under the supervision of Inter boss Roberto Mancini but is unhappy. Club president Erick Thohir informed the skipper they’ll soon offer him a new deal worth almost €4 million per season.

Napoli also want Icardi and see him as their natural replacement for the recently departed Gonzalo Higuain. However, Inter have already turned down two firm offers for the attacker, including a €60 million bid, per Mayo.

The prodigal talent scored 16 goals in 33 Serie A matches last term, according to WhoScored.com, proving himself to be one of the continent’s most exciting strikers.

Here is Icardi in action:

OptaPaolo provided further statistics proving the attacker’s worth:

Either Lacazette or Icardi would be perfect captures for Arsene Wenger, and both attackers have plenty of development left in their individual games.

According to the rumours, Icardi appears the most keen to make the switch to England, and the talisman would transform the outlook of Arsenal’s attack.

The forward has dramatically improved since leaving Sampdoria in 2013 and has outgrown his environment at the San Siro.

Icardi needs to play for a team like Arsenal to fully make the breakthrough at international level, and a starring role under Wenger will bring him the kudos he deserves.

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Arsenal have suffered a blow in their pursuit of Alexandre Lacazette of Lyon but received encouraging news regarding the potential capture of Inter Milan captain Mauro Icardi.

Lyon boss Bruno Genesio told the French team’s official website he believes the predatory striker will remain at Les Gones despite the Gunners’ inquiries to sign Lacazette (h/t Metro‘s Jon Harvey).

The manager said: “The squad is very calm. The players are not impacted. I have discussions with [Alexandre] Lacazette. It’s my job to ask these players to be there. They are honest discussions between a coach and a player. We will not lose Lacazette, I am confident.”

The French club initially confirmed rumours the Gunners want Lacazette. In an official statement in response to Arsenal’s interest, they said (h/t the Mirror‘s Darren Lewis and Joe Mewis):

Olympique Lyonnais categorically deny having received an offer of €48 million from Arsenal for the transfer of Alexandre Lacazette, as LeProgres report this morning.

The club is disappointed that Le Progres didn’t go to the effort of contacting us before publishing this false information, which creates confusion on the day the club is publishing its annual figures.

The reality is that Arsenal made a €35million bid, which Olympique Lyonnais turned down for one reason: l’OL will keep Alexandre Lacazette, who is irreplaceable and who is one of the main leaders in Bruno Genesio‘s squad.

As the door appears to close on a swift move for Lacazette, there is hope Icardi could force his way out of Inter to join the Gunners.

Marc Mayo of Gazzetta World (h/t Bruce Archer of the Express) reported the Argentina international is considering boycotting warm-up matches in an attempt to trigger a move to north London. Icardi has continued to train under the supervision of Inter boss Roberto Mancini but is unhappy. Club president Erick Thohir informed the skipper they’ll soon offer him a new deal worth almost €4 million per season.

Napoli also want Icardi and see him as their natural replacement for the recently departed Gonzalo Higuain. However, Inter have already turned down two firm offers for the attacker, including a €60 million bid, per Mayo.

The prodigal talent scored 16 goals in 33 Serie A matches last term, according to WhoScored.com, proving himself to be one of the continent’s most exciting strikers.

Here is Icardi in action:

OptaPaolo provided further statistics proving the attacker’s worth:

Either Lacazette or Icardi would be perfect captures for Arsene Wenger, and both attackers have plenty of development left in their individual games.

According to the rumours, Icardi appears the most keen to make the switch to England, and the talisman would transform the outlook of Arsenal’s attack.

The forward has dramatically improved since leaving Sampdoria in 2013 and has outgrown his environment at the San Siro.

Icardi needs to play for a team like Arsenal to fully make the breakthrough at international level, and a starring role under Wenger will bring him the kudos he deserves.

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Arsenal have suffered a blow in their pursuit of Alexandre Lacazette of Lyon but received encouraging news regarding the potential capture of Inter Milan captain Mauro Icardi.

Lyon boss Bruno Genesio told the French team’s official website he believes the predatory striker will remain at Les Gones despite the Gunners’ inquiries to sign Lacazette (h/t Metro‘s Jon Harvey).

The manager said: “The squad is very calm. The players are not impacted. I have discussions with [Alexandre] Lacazette. It’s my job to ask these players to be there. They are honest discussions between a coach and a player. We will not lose Lacazette, I am confident.”

The French club initially confirmed rumours the Gunners want Lacazette. In an official statement in response to Arsenal’s interest, they said (h/t the Mirror‘s Darren Lewis and Joe Mewis):

Olympique Lyonnais categorically deny having received an offer of €48 million from Arsenal for the transfer of Alexandre Lacazette, as LeProgres report this morning.

The club is disappointed that Le Progres didn’t go to the effort of contacting us before publishing this false information, which creates confusion on the day the club is publishing its annual figures.

The reality is that Arsenal made a €35million bid, which Olympique Lyonnais turned down for one reason: l’OL will keep Alexandre Lacazette, who is irreplaceable and who is one of the main leaders in Bruno Genesio‘s squad.

As the door appears to close on a swift move for Lacazette, there is hope Icardi could force his way out of Inter to join the Gunners.

Marc Mayo of Gazzetta World (h/t Bruce Archer of the Express) reported the Argentina international is considering boycotting warm-up matches in an attempt to trigger a move to north London. Icardi has continued to train under the supervision of Inter boss Roberto Mancini but is unhappy. Club president Erick Thohir informed the skipper they’ll soon offer him a new deal worth almost €4 million per season.

Napoli also want Icardi and see him as their natural replacement for the recently departed Gonzalo Higuain. However, Inter have already turned down two firm offers for the attacker, including a €60 million bid, per Mayo.

The prodigal talent scored 16 goals in 33 Serie A matches last term, according to WhoScored.com, proving himself to be one of the continent’s most exciting strikers.

Here is Icardi in action:

OptaPaolo provided further statistics proving the attacker’s worth:

Either Lacazette or Icardi would be perfect captures for Arsene Wenger, and both attackers have plenty of development left in their individual games.

According to the rumours, Icardi appears the most keen to make the switch to England, and the talisman would transform the outlook of Arsenal’s attack.

The forward has dramatically improved since leaving Sampdoria in 2013 and has outgrown his environment at the San Siro.

Icardi needs to play for a team like Arsenal to fully make the breakthrough at international level, and a starring role under Wenger will bring him the kudos he deserves.

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Arsenal have suffered a blow in their pursuit of Alexandre Lacazette of Lyon but received encouraging news regarding the potential capture of Inter Milan captain Mauro Icardi.

Lyon boss Bruno Genesio told the French team’s official website he believes the predatory striker will remain at Les Gones despite the Gunners’ inquiries to sign Lacazette (h/t Metro‘s Jon Harvey).

The manager said: “The squad is very calm. The players are not impacted. I have discussions with [Alexandre] Lacazette. It’s my job to ask these players to be there. They are honest discussions between a coach and a player. We will not lose Lacazette, I am confident.”

The French club initially confirmed rumours the Gunners want Lacazette. In an official statement in response to Arsenal’s interest, they said (h/t the Mirror‘s Darren Lewis and Joe Mewis):

Olympique Lyonnais categorically deny having received an offer of €48 million from Arsenal for the transfer of Alexandre Lacazette, as LeProgres report this morning.

The club is disappointed that Le Progres didn’t go to the effort of contacting us before publishing this false information, which creates confusion on the day the club is publishing its annual figures.

The reality is that Arsenal made a €35million bid, which Olympique Lyonnais turned down for one reason: l’OL will keep Alexandre Lacazette, who is irreplaceable and who is one of the main leaders in Bruno Genesio‘s squad.

As the door appears to close on a swift move for Lacazette, there is hope Icardi could force his way out of Inter to join the Gunners.

Marc Mayo of Gazzetta World (h/t Bruce Archer of the Express) reported the Argentina international is considering boycotting warm-up matches in an attempt to trigger a move to north London. Icardi has continued to train under the supervision of Inter boss Roberto Mancini but is unhappy. Club president Erick Thohir informed the skipper they’ll soon offer him a new deal worth almost €4 million per season.

Napoli also want Icardi and see him as their natural replacement for the recently departed Gonzalo Higuain. However, Inter have already turned down two firm offers for the attacker, including a €60 million bid, per Mayo.

The prodigal talent scored 16 goals in 33 Serie A matches last term, according to WhoScored.com, proving himself to be one of the continent’s most exciting strikers.

Here is Icardi in action:

OptaPaolo provided further statistics proving the attacker’s worth:

Either Lacazette or Icardi would be perfect captures for Arsene Wenger, and both attackers have plenty of development left in their individual games.

According to the rumours, Icardi appears the most keen to make the switch to England, and the talisman would transform the outlook of Arsenal’s attack.

The forward has dramatically improved since leaving Sampdoria in 2013 and has outgrown his environment at the San Siro.

Icardi needs to play for a team like Arsenal to fully make the breakthrough at international level, and a starring role under Wenger will bring him the kudos he deserves.

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Arsenal have suffered a blow in their pursuit of Alexandre Lacazette of Lyon but received encouraging news regarding the potential capture of Inter Milan captain Mauro Icardi.

Lyon boss Bruno Genesio told the French team’s official website he believes the predatory striker will remain at Les Gones despite the Gunners’ inquiries to sign Lacazette (h/t Metro‘s Jon Harvey).

The manager said: “The squad is very calm. The players are not impacted. I have discussions with [Alexandre] Lacazette. It’s my job to ask these players to be there. They are honest discussions between a coach and a player. We will not lose Lacazette, I am confident.”

The French club initially confirmed rumours the Gunners want Lacazette. In an official statement in response to Arsenal’s interest, they said (h/t the Mirror‘s Darren Lewis and Joe Mewis):

Olympique Lyonnais categorically deny having received an offer of €48 million from Arsenal for the transfer of Alexandre Lacazette, as LeProgres report this morning.

The club is disappointed that Le Progres didn’t go to the effort of contacting us before publishing this false information, which creates confusion on the day the club is publishing its annual figures.

The reality is that Arsenal made a €35million bid, which Olympique Lyonnais turned down for one reason: l’OL will keep Alexandre Lacazette, who is irreplaceable and who is one of the main leaders in Bruno Genesio‘s squad.

As the door appears to close on a swift move for Lacazette, there is hope Icardi could force his way out of Inter to join the Gunners.

Marc Mayo of Gazzetta World (h/t Bruce Archer of the Express) reported the Argentina international is considering boycotting warm-up matches in an attempt to trigger a move to north London. Icardi has continued to train under the supervision of Inter boss Roberto Mancini but is unhappy. Club president Erick Thohir informed the skipper they’ll soon offer him a new deal worth almost €4 million per season.

Napoli also want Icardi and see him as their natural replacement for the recently departed Gonzalo Higuain. However, Inter have already turned down two firm offers for the attacker, including a €60 million bid, per Mayo.

The prodigal talent scored 16 goals in 33 Serie A matches last term, according to WhoScored.com, proving himself to be one of the continent’s most exciting strikers.

Here is Icardi in action:

OptaPaolo provided further statistics proving the attacker’s worth:

Either Lacazette or Icardi would be perfect captures for Arsene Wenger, and both attackers have plenty of development left in their individual games.

According to the rumours, Icardi appears the most keen to make the switch to England, and the talisman would transform the outlook of Arsenal’s attack.

The forward has dramatically improved since leaving Sampdoria in 2013 and has outgrown his environment at the San Siro.

Icardi needs to play for a team like Arsenal to fully make the breakthrough at international level, and a starring role under Wenger will bring him the kudos he deserves.

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Manchester United have reportedly revived their interest in centre-back Joao Miranda as manager Jose Mourinho looks to add some experience to his youthful back line. 

The Portuguese has added Eric Bailly, 22, to his squad already this summer but, with Marcos Rojo and Daley Blind both potentially set to depart Old Trafford, he is now eyeing Miranda, 31, to bring some expertise to his defence, per MailOnline’s Simon Jones.

Jones added that Cameron Borthwick-Jackson, Tyler Blackett and Paddy McNair are all set to be loaned out. With Rojo and Blind potentially leaving permanently, that would leave United short on depth at the back.

Miranda, who is currently on a two-year loan spell at Inter Milan from Atletico Madrid, has been heavily linked with United in the past, while he was also a Chelsea target when Mourinho was manager at Stamford Bridge, per Matt Law in the Telegraph.

The Brazilian has been one of the most consistent centre-backs in Europe for some time now and enjoyed another good campaign in Serie A last term with Inter.

He is hugely experienced at the very highest level having won La Liga with Atleti and made the Champions League final in 2013-14, and his arrival at Old Trafford would take some of the burden off 26-year-old Chris Smalling as the senior centre-back.

Though already 31, Miranda could certainly be a key part of the United defence for the next couple of years at least, and he would add excellent aerial presence, positional awareness and necessary calm to the Red Devils squad.

Meanwhile, as well as being slightly short in the centre-back ranks, United still lack a recognised first-choice right-back and genuine quality and depth in central midfield, per Bleacher Report’s Sam Tighe:

According to Jones, the Manchester outfit are eyeing Monaco’s Fabinho and Atleti’s Saul Niguez in an attempt to resolve the remaining issues.

Saul, 21, enjoyed a breakout season under manager Diego Simeone in 2015-16, proving himself to be a complete midfielder, contributing in both attack and defence, per WhoScored.com:

United were heavily linked with him at the end of last term, but he only recently penned a new five-year deal with Atletico and is highly unlikely to be available, per Metro‘s George Bellshaw.

Brazil international Fabinho is perhaps a more realistic target.

He is contracted to Monaco until 2019 having joined the club permanently last summer after two seasons there on loan from Rio Ave but could likely be tempted by the prospect of playing under Mourinho in the Premier League.

Excellent defensively, physical and effective going forward, Fabinho can also operate as a defensive midfielder with good passing range, and he would be an astute addition to Mourinho’s squad.

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Manchester United have reportedly revived their interest in centre-back Joao Miranda as manager Jose Mourinho looks to add some experience to his youthful back line. 

The Portuguese has added Eric Bailly, 22, to his squad already this summer but, with Marcos Rojo and Daley Blind both potentially set to depart Old Trafford, he is now eyeing Miranda, 31, to bring some expertise to his defence, per MailOnline’s Simon Jones.

Jones added that Cameron Borthwick-Jackson, Tyler Blackett and Paddy McNair are all set to be loaned out. With Rojo and Blind potentially leaving permanently, that would leave United short on depth at the back.

Miranda, who is currently on a two-year loan spell at Inter Milan from Atletico Madrid, has been heavily linked with United in the past, while he was also a Chelsea target when Mourinho was manager at Stamford Bridge, per Matt Law in the Telegraph.

The Brazilian has been one of the most consistent centre-backs in Europe for some time now and enjoyed another good campaign in Serie A last term with Inter.

He is hugely experienced at the very highest level having won La Liga with Atleti and made the Champions League final in 2013-14, and his arrival at Old Trafford would take some of the burden off 26-year-old Chris Smalling as the senior centre-back.

Though already 31, Miranda could certainly be a key part of the United defence for the next couple of years at least, and he would add excellent aerial presence, positional awareness and necessary calm to the Red Devils squad.

Meanwhile, as well as being slightly short in the centre-back ranks, United still lack a recognised first-choice right-back and genuine quality and depth in central midfield, per Bleacher Report’s Sam Tighe:

According to Jones, the Manchester outfit are eyeing Monaco’s Fabinho and Atleti’s Saul Niguez in an attempt to resolve the remaining issues.

Saul, 21, enjoyed a breakout season under manager Diego Simeone in 2015-16, proving himself to be a complete midfielder, contributing in both attack and defence, per WhoScored.com:

United were heavily linked with him at the end of last term, but he only recently penned a new five-year deal with Atletico and is highly unlikely to be available, per Metro‘s George Bellshaw.

Brazil international Fabinho is perhaps a more realistic target.

He is contracted to Monaco until 2019 having joined the club permanently last summer after two seasons there on loan from Rio Ave but could likely be tempted by the prospect of playing under Mourinho in the Premier League.

Excellent defensively, physical and effective going forward, Fabinho can also operate as a defensive midfielder with good passing range, and he would be an astute addition to Mourinho’s squad.

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A lot hinges on whether Paul Pogba makes the move to Manchester United this summer. The Frenchman’s return to Old Trafford would mean a recalibration of predictions for next season in the Premier League and a shift in focus at both Juventus and Real Madrid, another club linked with a record swoop for the midfielder.

Indeed, Pogba is good enough to turn United into title front-runners, with manager Jose Mourinho recognising the importance of signing the brightest midfield talent European football has to offer. His capture would set down a marker for the rest of the Premier League.

But no matter how impressive the signing of Pogba would be, United would still be an unbalanced, tangled outfit—even with the Frenchman as their new midfield dynamo. Mourinho might have addressed deficiencies in the centre of the pitch and in attack with the additions of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Henrikh Mkhitaryan, but there remains a glaring weakness in his team.

Mourinho’s success over the past decade or so has been based on defensive stability. He has presided over some of the greatest defenders of the modern era, with the likes of John Terry, Ricardo Carvalho, Sergio Ramos, Pepe and Walter Samuel all stalwarts under the Portuguese coach’s charge. 

In fact, defensive organisation, stubbornness and general effectiveness is something of a hallmark for Mourinho. Yet at United, he has few players who could help him achieve that. The defensive ranks at Old Trafford lag way behind what is needed to be successful at the top of the European game. A major reinforcement is needed.

Of course, Eric Bailly joined from Villarreal earlier this summer, with United paying around £30 million for the 22-year-old centre-back, as per BBC Sport. Bailly will give Mourinho another option at centre-back, but it seems unlikely he will be the ready-made defensive leader he needs. Only in the years to come could the Ivorian grow into that kind of player.

And so United still need to find that figure this summer. The Old Trafford club has plenty of options at centre-back, with Phil Jones, Chris Smalling, Marcos Rojo, Daley Blind and Paddy McNair all on the books, but not one is especially suited to being Mourinho’s defensive leader. 

Smalling made marked improvement under former boss Louis van Gaal last season, especially during the first half of the campaign. At 26 years old, the England international is finally maturing, and it seems likely he will command a starting spot for the coming season under Mourinho. 

But Smalling isn’t the kind of personality Mourinho needs to control and organise things at the back. Neither is Jones, Blind, McNair or Rojo, who is reportedly set to be pushed out of the Old Trafford exit door, as per Rob Dawson of the Manchester Evening News. The Special One needs someone with a special kind of swagger, a special kind of presence. 

He needs someone like Leonardo Bonucci. The M.E.N.‘s Samuel Luckhurst, writing for the Mirror, recently linked the Juventus and Italy defender with a switch to Manchester United, although Chelsea and Manchester City are also to be keen on securing his services, reported by Antony Kastrinakis of the Sun and David Anderson of the Mirror respectively.

Truly exceptional centre-backs are hard to come by in European football at the moment, and they don’t come much more exceptional than Bonucci. 

Not only is the Italian positionally astute and strong in every way needed defensively, but he is also excellent with the ball at his feet, as he demonstrated with his assist for the Azzurri’s first goal of their Euro 2016 campaign earlier this summer. He would be perfect for Mourinho’s side—just as he would be for Chelsea, Manchester City and essentially every other outfit in the Premier League.

However, if Pogba is to end up at Old Trafford by the close of the summer transfer window, it is surely unrealistic to expect Juventus would also sell Bonucci. United, or any other side looking for a centre-back, will likely have to look elsewhere, which is a shame given how tailored he is for the vacant role in Mourinho’s side.

Nonetheless, United must sign an experienced centre-back this summer if they are to truly challenge for the Premier League title this season. Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and even Spurs all boast stronger, better defensive options than the Red Devils, and that will hold them back as they target their first championship in four years.

Maybe Mourinho recognises this. After all, it’s difficult to envisage a manager of the Portuguese’s shrewdness and intelligence hasn’t acknowledged the need for central-defensive reinforcement, but whether he has identified the individual to do that is another matter altogether.

It could be the case that the players who fit the job simply aren’t out there. At Inter Milan, Mourinho had Samuel as the veteran figure to help give his side some structure and experience at the back, with the Argentinian helping the Portuguese coach to deliver a historic treble of trophies in his final season in Italy, 2009/10. Samuel did exactly what Mourinho wanted him to do.

The Manchester United boss needs another Samuel—or Terry or Carvalho. Perhaps he will focus on turning one of Jones, Blind, Rojo or Bailly into that figure, pounding a square peg into a round hole through necessity more than anything else. Mourinho’s capacity as a man manager could be tested at Old Trafford this season.

United have undoubtedly made strides by building a team to Mourinho’s specifications this summer, but what use will that be if the side is built on shoddy defensive foundations? There’s only so much Mourinho can do if the basis of his ability as a coach and footballing thinker is undermined. 

Pogba’s signing would mean a lot, but it wouldn’t mean as much if the Frenchman doesn’t have an experienced, accomplished centre-back playing behind him.

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On Wednesday night, Paris Saint-Germain recorded their third-straight pre-season victory and their second of the International Champions Cup as they beat Real Madrid 3-1 in Colombus, Ohio.

Unai Emery’s men were impressive, especially during the first half, scoring all three goals before the 41st minute and ruling out any chance of a comeback from the Spanish side.

Emery told the press after the game:

We are very happy about the results. Even if that’s not the most important thing, but it’s very good for team confidence. I’m happy from a tactical point of view, because the players followed my instructions. They’re following on from what we’re practicing in training and that’s a good thing. Those who have played in matches so far have done a good job.

On the face of it, the result is another step in the right direction for the Spanish coach. His defence coped well with the early injury to Thiago Silva, young players like Lorenzo Callegari and Jonathan Ikone continued to impress and he has three full-backs taking part in some sort of best-goal competition.

The opening goal came from Ikone, and you have to praise the youngster. He may have had the rub of the green as the ball seemed to be destined for his right foot after a couple of ricochets, but when he was clear on goal, he showed great composure to put his side 1-0 up.

However, there is a worry. Something that could put a huge question mark over PSG’s season is the continued poor form of Edinson Cavani.

The Uruguayan striker started in the No. 9 role he has craved since joining the Parisian club. One of four changes Emery made from the win over Inter Milan. Hatem Ben Arfa dropped to the bench, and Ikone and Lucas Moura were positioned either side of Cavani.

Three main chances stood out in what was a forgettable performance from the former Napoli forward. Following on from his poor return at the Copa America, it must be a great concern for the new boss.

New signing Thomas Meunier would come on for Silva, and it was his good ball from the right that set up Cavani’s first chance. El Matador had done well to get in front of his marker, but for some reason, he decided to try to take the chance with the outside of his left boot—letting the ball come across his body—rather than taking it with his more natural right.

It takes skill to make the right contact with your right foot in that position, but there is a higher possibility you will find the angle to test the goalkeeper.

In the second half, there was a delightful ball over the top by Angel Di Maria, but Cavani’s touch/shot lacked conviction and belief. He failed to make enough contact and it was an easy ball for Kiko Casilla.

His best chance came later in the second half, Meunier again was the creator. His bursting run down the right made space for the forward, the Belgian full-back played the square ball across and Cavani smashed his shot wide of the near post.

His effort was full of power and menace, just like it has been time and again, but it lacked accuracy. He cut the figure of a frustrated player, and that was evident in his effort and his overall performance.

It leaves Emery with a dilemma. PSG need someone that can lead this attack, and right now, Cavani looks like a liability. Yes, he will score goals in Ligue 1, there is no doubt about that. He will be given enough chances on goal to put two or three away.

The problem comes, as it always has, when he is called upon in the Champions League. Opportunities are at a premium, and if you are wasting them, your team will be punished.

PSG could jump into the market, spend a ridiculous amount of money on a centre-forward and relegate Cavani to the bench, but that feels like the wrong move. What the Uruguayan needs is competition. A threat, someone who is going to make him play better, knowing that his place is under fire but not that he is confined to the bench.

Cavani needs someone who is on equal ground with him and someone he can play beside, if Emery’s tactics allow for it. Ben Arfa played as the No. 9 against Inter, but that’s not the answer the club are looking for.

It could be someone like Alvaro Morata from Real Madrid, who has previously been linked with a move to Paris by the Guardian, or Alexandre Lacazette, who was recently the subject of a €35 million bid by Arsenal. Someone like that, who knows the league inside-out, wants to excel in Europe and can also play in a two-man attack, would be ideal.

Lyon may be unwilling to do business with their league rivals, and just like in Italy and Germany, it would take away a huge spark of competition in the division, but that’s not PSG’s problem. They want a squad that can lift the Champions League, or at least challenge for a place in the last four.

Right now, they have Cavani up front and only Jean-Kevin Augustin—despite his potential, as previously discussed in this column—as back-up. PSG are a long way from being once again regarded as one of Europe’s best sides.

PSG need to open the bank account and do everything they can to add competition to the forward line and give Cavani a real threat of not playing. Without that, they will lift the Ligue 1 title but will be found short when it comes to the Champions League.

Elsewhere, Emery would have been delighted by Meunier‘s debut. He was a constant threat down the right-flank, provided some excellent balls into the box and scored an outstanding goal.

It wasn’t just the left-foot shot from outside the box that impressed, but his reading of the game, to come inside and intercept some slack Real play, was excellent; it was made even better by his sweet strike.

“I had a good start to my match when I came on and I’m very happy to have scored two goals,” a happy Meunier told the PSG website after the game. “But I know we can still do better defensively. We controlled the game in the second half, we stayed in our positions and they weren’t able to create many chances. It was a very serious performance from us.”

His two goals, added to a double from Serge Aurier and Layvin Kurzawa’s free-kick, means that full-backs have scored five of PSG’s six goals during the International Champions Cup. Perhaps Emery should dump Cavani and go with an attack full of defenders.

from Bleacher Report – Front Page http://ift.tt/2ac80cr
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