Arsenal and Liverpool are reportedly keen to secure the services of Hirving Lozano, following his stellar display for Mexico that put a serious dent in the World Cup hopes of reigning champions, Germany.
The impact of a player can often be overstated, but the goal scored by Lozano against Germany was, quite literally, of seismic proportions. Such was the jubilation of fans back home, Mexican seismic monitoring agency SIMMSA detected an artificial earthquake in the capital city, which they believe was caused by fans jubilantly celebrating their national team taking the lead.
Lozano made the most of his opportunity in the 35th minute of the encounter, bursting forward on a swift Mexican counter-attack and receiving an exquisite through-ball from Chicharito, before cutting inside his German marker and smashing the ball home with aplomb.
That single goal proved enough to secure Mexico a memorable victory and cause shockwaves in Group H, which Joachim Löw’s side were expected to dominate with little difficulty. Following the defeat, Germany are 7/1 to win the 2018 World Cup, with their odds having lengthened slightly after such a disappointing opening to the tournament.
The goal and the man of the match performance by Lozano made him an instant national hero, while the player affectionately known as ‘Chucky’ will have inevitably impressed a plethora of scouts watching the game, as a host of Premier League clubs monitor his progress at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Lozano has enjoyed a meteoric rise in European football, following his move from Pachuca to PSV Eindhoven in 2017, making the most of his opportunity by repaying their confidence with 17 goals in 29 appearances. Although the Dutch club are hopeful of keeping the 22-year-old beyond the World Cup, they are reportedly bracing themselves for offers from several Premier League clubs.
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“He has the tools to play in the Premier League,” observed Juan Carlos Osorio, the Mexican national team head coach, delighted by the decisive impact of Lozano against Germany. “His pace, his ability to take people on makes me believe that he is a player that will go very far,” he said, amidst suggestions that Arsenal and Liverpool could be the first register their interest with firm bids.
PSV Eindhoven will undoubtedly be bracing themselves to receive offers from several fronts. According to TalkSport.com reports, Manchester City and Chelsea headline amongst the Premier League clubs paying careful attention to how Lozano performs at the World Cup, especially given how the winger terrorised the usually calm and solid German right-back, Joshua Kimmich.
While the immediate focus for Lozano will be on helping Mexico to progress as far as possible at the 2018 World Cup, Spanish outlet Marca have underlined that infamous super-agent Mino Raiola will be pulling plenty of strings in the background. Raiola will be conscious that although some La Liga clubs are also interested in his client, the most lucrative option will be securing a move to the Premier League.
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