In case you were skeptical about Lyon’s interest in Celtic’s Moussa Dembélé, you need not be, as it’s been confirmed by the one man who will know everything going on at the Ligue 1 club: their president.
On Wednesday, Jean-Michael Aulas sat down for a press conference to announce the contract extension of Marcelo, their centre-back, and, among other things, discussed their striker situation.
The French club have been forced to let Mariano Diaz return to Real Madrid as the La Liga club triggered his release clause, meaning they’ll need to find a replacement.
That man has been touted to be the Celtic forward, and Aulas has now made sure everyone is aware.
Relayed by L’Equipe journalist Bilel Ghazi, he said: “We can’t announced his replacement just yet. His arrival and Mariano’s exit will be connected. Moussa Dembélé is an avenue, but I’ve also read that Marseille are on it. Is it more difficult for them? Yes, I believe so (smiles)”.
He also confirmed that Dembélé was interested in moving to Lyon, but that Celtic were being ‘tough negotiators’.
It seems the Lyon president is relatively confident of his chances of getting the Celtic striker before the transfer window shuts in France.
However, Brendan Rodgers’ side will also have to ensure they get someone in to fill the potential void left by Dembélé’s likely exit.
Until they do that, they might not want to see him leave.
