Ligue 1 imports: France-based stars potentially heading to Premier League

When kept fit, Gignac has an unrivaled nose for goal and could prove a perfect pick-up for Everton to lessen the scoring burden on Romelu Lukaku.

Alexandre Lacazette
Lyon are rightly hoping to hang on to their star striker, but Lacazette has already understandably attracted interest after his attacking exploits saw him crowned Ligue 1 top scorer with a superb 27 strikes.

Somewhat of a complete package, lethal Lacazette has come of age this season, and is able to play anywhere across the frontline as well as lead it, due to his impressive acceleration, strength and ability to turn defences inside out.

Much-lauded clubmate and compatriot Nabil Fekir is perhaps not yet ready for a big move, but Lacazette, 24, certainly is, and could make the difference for a top club such as Chelsea, Arsenal or Manchester rivals City and United. Expect a bidding war for the France forward’s services, with Lacazette stating he will only leave Lyon for a Champions League club.

Lacazette’s Lyon highlights:

Steve Mandanda
Zaire-born France back-up keeper Mandanda has made strides this season just gone, though the custodian, another Marseille man, has been one of Europe’s most consistent for some time.

A commanding presence and also club captain, at age 30, Mandanda, who has supposedly interested Crystal Palace and kept 12 clean sheets in his most recent campaign, should surely tempt clubs with European football. Southampton need a stand-in for sidelined Fraser Forster, and could certainly utilise the Ligue 1 Goalkeeper of the Year.

Dimitri Payet
It seems almost inevitable that Marseille’s attacking midfield talent will arrive at West Ham, having racked up a tremendous 21 assists in Ligue 1 over the past season, and much expectation would proceed the productive 28-year-old should the Londoners seal the deal.

The Hammers (33/1 to win the 2015/16 FA Cup) are reported to have made an improved offer for the playmaker who can operate centrally and wide, and the Upton Park faithful would be in for a treat to see the France international, who is back in the Bleus’ first-team fold, link up with Stewart Downing.

Take a peek at what Payet can offer: