Thursday, 27th June, 2013
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger may be be raving at news that Lyon are prepared to listen to offers for playmaker Yoann Gourcuff, even if president Jean-Michel Aulas insists Maxime Gonalons will not be sold.
Both players have been on Wenger’s radar this summer, with Aulas also admitting that Gonalons had been subject to several bids already.
A €15m-plus bid is part of that stack, but the defensive midfielder is not believed to be keen for a move away from Lyon.
He turned out 35 times for Lyon last season in Ligue 1, and the performances have also attracted Napoli as suitors, with Rafael Benitez prepared to lock horns with his former Premier League counterpart.
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Aulas was quoted by L’Equipe as saying: "Unfortunately, there are several clubs that have made offers for him, with one that is greater than €15m.
"But that is part of our strategy. And to my knowledge, Max wants to stay in Lyon."
Arsenal have recently also pursued Clement Grenier from Lyon, but with the midfielder poised to sign a contract extension, the Gunners have trained their sights on Gourcuff.
The 26-year-old has been unable to shine this season owing to injuries, and only made 18 Ligue 1 appearances with three goals.
His form has been a concern and it has now been revealed that Lyon are considering opening negotiations for the Frenchman whose contract is set to run out next year.
"Yoann is one of those players who has not fully succeeded [at Lyon]", Aulas added. "We have not received any offers for him, but we have been talking with clubs for an opportunity."
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