Lyon Pushes for Nicolas Nkoulou Transfer, But Marseille Locks Down Key Players
Olympique Lyonnais is pushing hard to sign Nicolas Nkoulou, but Olympique de Marseille is standing firm. OL president Jean-Michel Aulas confirmed that the club made a significant offer for the Cameroonian defender:
“We made an offer that evolved over time. Today, it’s close to €10 million. It’s valid until tomorrow evening. We also spoke with his advisor. I have the impression that if it were up to them, they would love to come to Lyon to play in the Champions League,” Aulas stated.
However, with Marseille already having sold Dimitri Payet to West Ham for €15 million and Giannelli Imbula to Porto for €20 million, the club appears unwilling to part with any more of its key players. According to La Provence, OM has decided to lock down the files of both Nicolas Nkoulou (25 years old) and Florian Thauvin (22 years old), who is attracting interest from Newcastle.
Nkoulou, who featured in 24 Ligue 1 matches and scored 2 goals in the 2014–2015 season, is considered a defensive pillar at Marseille. Thauvin, meanwhile, had 5 goals in 36 Ligue 1 appearances, and despite interest from England, the club has no intention of letting him go this summer.
With Marseille determined to retain its remaining stars, Lyon’s hopes of landing Nkoulou appear slim—unless a breakthrough occurs before the offer deadline.
