Galatasaray Target Lille Captain Rio Mavuba as Turkish Club Eyes French Market
Turkish giants Galatasaray are reportedly gearing up for a major summer shopping spree in the French Ligue 1, with Lille captain Rio Mavuba emerging as a prime target.
The 30-year-old defensive midfielder, who currently captains Les Dogues and has a contract running until June 2015, has attracted interest from the Istanbul-based club. Despite his commitment to Lille, sources suggest Mavuba could be tempted to make a move should Galatasaray present a compelling offer during the upcoming transfer window.
Galatasaray’s transfer plans extend beyond Mavuba, with forwards Mevlut Erding and Bafétimbi Gomis also high on their radar as they seek to strengthen their squad ahead of next season. The club, under the management of Roberto Mancini, appears set to deepen its footprint in the French market, capitalising on emerging opportunities.
Meanwhile, Marseille’s Mathieu Valbuena remains a recurring target for the Turkish side. The 29-year-old midfielder has found himself on the fringes since the arrival of new OM coach Marcelo Bielsa, and his future at the Stade Vélodrome appears uncertain. Fenerbahçe, Galatasaray’s domestic rivals, are also reportedly interested in Valbuena, while other suitors from Spain and the Gulf region have been linked to the French international.
As Monaco shifts focus to other transfer priorities, Valbuena’s situation remains a subject of speculation, with the player’s next destination potentially shaping the dynamics of the summer transfer window.
Galatasaray’s active pursuit of established Ligue 1 talents signals their ambition to bolster their squad with experienced players familiar with the rigours of top-flight football.
