Lyon Shifts Focus from Nkoulou to Yanga-Mbiwa to Strengthen Defense
Olympique Lyonnais appears to be moving on from its pursuit of Nicolas Nkoulou, as the Cameroonian defender seems likely to remain at Olympique de Marseille this season. Despite strong interest from Lyon’s management, Nkoulou has yet to make a decision, prompting OL to turn to alternative options.
According to Le Progrès, Lyon has now made Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa its top defensive target. The Franco-Central African center-back, who has revitalized his career at AS Roma after a mixed spell at Newcastle United, is once again in Lyon’s sights.
Talks between the former Montpellier defender and OL officials have resumed, with regular contact established in recent days. However, acquiring Yanga-Mbiwa won’t be easy. The 26-year-old has become a trusted figure in Rudi Garcia’s setup at Roma, and prying him away could require a significant financial offer.
For Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas, who is determined to bolster his defense ahead of the new campaign, convincing Roma to part with Yanga-Mbiwa will be a major test — one that may depend as much on the player’s own ambitions as on the club’s willingness to negotiate.
