According to the latest reports from Lancs Live, Manchester United are in pole position to sign Lyon striker Moussa Dembele. It is believed that Lyon have already lined up a replacement for Dembele as Olivier Giroud is being linked with them (via Lancs Live). Dembele moved to the Ligue 1 in the summer of 2018, and since then, he has been in terrific form for Lyon.
The 23-year-old has racked up 27 goals for the French side in 59 appearances. He has started the ongoing season in blistering fashion as he has seven goals in ten league games so far. It was earlier believed that Lyon could ask as much as £71m for their striker, but they will now be willing to accept an offer around the £45m mark (via Lancs Live). Dembele is also said to be keen to return to England as he is ready to play for a top club like Manchester United.
The Red Devils have struggled to score goals from open play so far this season. They have parted ways with Romelu Lukau this summer without really bringing in a replacement for him. Alexis Sanchez too left on loan to join the Serie A outfit, Inter Milan.
Anthony Martial has emerged as the main striker this season along with Marcus Rashford. Martial missed a few weeks of action, but he is now back from his injury. Nevertheless, the club is still short on striking options with so many matches coming thick and fast across all competitions.
What will Dembele bring to Old Trafford?
The Frenchman is a mobile striker as he keeps the defenders occupied by making runs from their shoulders. His pace and dribbling skills are his standout attributes, and he can trouble quite a few defenders in the Premier League. He also has that physical side to his game which is often necessary to thrive in the English top flight. Along with all of that, the Frenchman seems to be a natural scorer in front of the goal.
Will he fit in Solskjær plans?
The Norwegian boss hasn’t really managed to stamp an identity on this current United team, but they seem to be at their best when they are looking to hit the opposition on the counter. For that, the manager will need fast players and willing runners who can carry the attack forward quickly.
Dembele should be well suited for that kind of gameplan as he has eye-catching sprint speed. Moreover, with the sale of Lukaku, it was clear that Solskjær didn’t need a targetman kind of a striker at the club. Dembele is known for his sharp movements and ability to stretch play. On paper atleast, this feels like a good move for the Red Devils.
