Burnley had an agonising match against Arsenal last week; one that the Clarets would like to forget as early as possible and get on with the campaign. Many are of the opinion that Burnley players deserved a point after such a solid display and although they were second best to the Gunners in everything, their build up play and counter attacks were quite threatening at times.
With a bit of quality finishing in the attacking third, the Clarets could have probably ended the game on a high note after the hosts were down to 10 men early in the second half. But, that has always been the case with Burnley this season. Although Sean Dyche’s men have had some pretty amazing displays against big teams, mostly at Turf Moor, their lack of quality in the attacking third that has prevented them from getting the desired results.
They have managed to score only 24 goals in 22 games, which averages to almost a goal every game. Hence, every time they are trailing by a goal, their chances of winning is dangerously low. Dyche doesn’t have a decent transfer kitty to spend on big players in the ongoing transfer window and their only player to join the Clarets being free agent Joey Barton, pretty much sums it up.
However, Dyche is still in the market for quality options and according to reports, they might just have found the one in Ipswich town forward Tom Lawrence. The player is currently on loan from Leicester City and has been quite impressive with five goals and five assists in 21 appearances.
His low-price tag makes him all the more in demand this winter. Defending league champions Leicester are in talks for a £1million offer for the 23-year-old, the same fee they paid Manchester United for him in 2014. A secondary striker, primarily, Lawrence can play on the flanks as well as through the middle. He has garnered a lot of attention with his dribbling skills and perfectly chipped in crosses from the flanks.
A Manchester United youth product, Lawrence has spent short stints at a host of clubs, which include Carlisle United and Yeovil Town before moving to Leicester City in 2014. Thereafter, he has been loaned to Rotherham United, Blackburn Rovers, Cardiff City and Ipswich Town. The 24-year-old Wales international now has numerous suitors in Newcastle United, Sunderland, Derby County, Norwich and Cardiff City, who are all closely monitoring the striker. Hence, landing him won’t be an easy task.
However, Burnley’s Premier League status and the fact they are likely to stay in the top tier next season edges them above all other buyers.
