Wednesday, 11th December, 2013
Clement Greneir admits there had been contact with Arsenal and Liverpool last summer, but that he is sticking with Lyon despite being pleased with the interest.
Arsenal had been more heavily involved in an approach for Grenier this year, even sending scout Gilles Grimandi to watch Grenier in action.
The 22-year-old, who signed a contract extension until 2016, was tipped to move given that Lyon are going through a financial crisis of sorts.
Building a new stadium meant letting go of players, but Grenier is seen as a prized asset and club president Jean-Michel Aulas has managed to hang on to him.
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And when asked about the summer, Grenier told Foot Mercato: "There was contact [with Arsenal and Liverpool]. After that, it was a personal [choice]. I am at Lyon, I'm glad to be here and for the rest we will see later.
"My goal is to be as efficient as possible with Lyon, and to fulfil the objectives of the club as well as my personal goals. For now, I'm concentrating on Lyon.
"When big European clubs come to the Stade Gerland to observe you, it's very flattering. But we must not forget that Lyon has been one of the biggest clubs in Europe over the last decade.
"Lyon is not only still part of the larger French teams but also European ones. We are in the transition years, the new stadium will happen, and Lyon can become the biggest French club."
Grenier is under contract at Lyon until 2016 and has been a near ever-present for coach Remi Garde in Ligue 1 so far this term, with 15 appearances to his name.
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