Lyon open contract talks in bid to cash in on Arsenal target
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French side Lyon are reportedly set to open contract negotiations with star man Rachid Ghezzal, in a bid to ensure they can cash in on the forward.
Ghezzal’s current deal expires next year, and after being linked with a number of clubs – including Arsenal, West Ham and Everton – last summer, Les Gones face losing a prized asset for free at the end of the season.
But it seems the seven-time Ligue 1 champions are about to spoil any hopes that Premier League trio had of landing a quality signing for free.
According to French outlet L’Equipe, Ghezzal is set to announce a three-year-deal with Lyon this week.
It seems then, that the 24-year-old won’t head to English shores on the cheap, with Lyon unlikely to accept any offer below £30m.
But after firing in eight goals and eight assists from just 29 league appearances last season, more of that form won’t stop any potential suitors.
Everton were happy to splash out £25m on Yannick Bolasie, while West Ham spent £20m on Andre Ayew while being linked with bigger moves elsewhere.
Ghezzal hasn’t quite hit last season’s heights yet this term, with just one goal to his name, but it shouldn’t be long before he’s giving most European teams a reason to get a scout or two over to the Parc Olympique Lyonnais.
From the club’s perspective, the agreement is an excellent deal, with this season’s Ligue 1 proving to be the most competitive in years.
It’s the kind of open season which could see a club like Lyon fail to land a Champions League place, and should that happen, the offers will surely flow in for Ghezzal – although now he’ll come at a hefty price.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
