Gaël Avocèvou, the rising star of Beninese football, is attracting serious attention from top-tier French clubs as the summer transfer window looms.
Currently on the books at AS Sobemap in Benin, the 20-year-old striker has seen his reputation surge in recent months, drawing scouts and interest from across Europe.
His brief spell in Ghana with Dreams FC served as an early showcase, but it is his consistent displays on home soil that have significantly elevated his profile.
Sources close to the situation indicate that a number of Ligue 1 clubs are monitoring Avocèvou closely. Chief among them is Lille OSC, a club renowned for identifying and developing promising young talents.
The northern French side is believed to have taken a particular interest in the forward’s pace, technique, and eye for goal.
However, Lille are far from alone in their pursuit. AS Monaco, FC Nantes, and Stade Rennais are also reportedly in the mix, each evaluating how the Beninese talent might fit into their longer-term development plans.
Despite the growing list of admirers, it is Rennes who appear to be taking the lead in the race for his signature.
According to sources familiar with the negotiations, Stade Rennais have entered advanced discussions with representatives of the player.
While no formal agreement has yet been confirmed, talks are said to be progressing steadily, and optimism is growing within the Rennes camp that a deal could be finalised in the coming weeks.
Should the transfer materialise, it is expected that Avocèvou would not be immediately thrust into the first team.
Instead, the plan would likely involve a gradual integration, allowing him to adapt to the intensity and pace of European football while continuing his development under the guidance of Rennes’ coaching staff.
While some observers have questioned whether a move to one of France’s elite clubs might come too soon in Avocèvou’s career, those close to the striker suggest he is ready for the challenge.
Described as a hard-working and focused young professional, Avocèvou has reportedly welcomed the interest but remains grounded about the next steps in his career.
The striker’s emergence as a transfer target for clubs outside of Benin is further evidence of the growing reputation of West African talent in European markets.
If the deal does go through, he will join a long line of young African footballers who have used Ligue 1 as a launchpad for success on the continental stage.
For now, all eyes remain on the negotiations as Stade Rennais edge closer to a possible breakthrough. With the summer window approaching and interest mounting, Gaël Avocèvou’s future looks set to take a decisive turn.
