Director says ‘no obligation’ to accept Arsenal or £22m Crystal Palace bids

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Lens are under no obligation to sell either Seko Fofana or Cheick Doucoure amid talks with Premier League duo Arsenal and Crystal Palace, the Ligue 1 club’s general manager Arnaud Pouille tells La Voix du Nord. 

After former Manchester City youngster was named the Get France Football News Player of the Year a couple of months ago, Fofana was determined to highlight the role played by his all-action midfield partner – the Robin to his buccaneering Batman – during his acceptance speech. 

“Cheick knows how to do everything on the pitch,” Fofana says. “He is incredibly complete. He’s one of the best players I’ve played with. He knows how to shoot from distance, how to pass, break the lines, dribble, defend.” 

Crystal Palace fans, then, must feel like a kid on Christmas eve as Doucoure – Patrick Vieira’s number one summer target – edges ever closer to joining the Selhurst Park outfit. Personal terms have already been agreed. And, after failing with an initial £14 million offer, RMC Sport say that a £22 million deal is nearing completion. 

Fofana, meanwhile, has held talks with Arsenal (L’Equipe). Arguably the finest midfielder in Ligue 1 last term, the one-time Fulham loanee is a force of nature; A human hurricane capable of destroying all in his path. 

Crystal Palace want Cheick Doucoure while Arsenal hold Seko Fofana talks

But, as Pouille is at pains to point out, Lens are under no ‘obligation’ to sell either Doucoure or Fofana. Not that both players will be forced to stay against their will of course.

“Overall, it remains very stable. For the moment, (our key players) are here,” explains Pouille.

“(Fofana and Doucoure) are in the squad. We are not under a financial obligation to sell. We did it last year, and now we are in a position for two years where we do not have this obligation. If some players have a great opportunity (then we may sell).”

Lens coach Franck Haise, meanwhile, accepts that at least one of his midfield duo will leave before August’s transfer deadline. But while Doucoure is refusing to sign a new contract as he pushes for a move, it seems highly unlikely that inspirational captain Fofana will do the same. 

“Like any coach (I want to keep my best players),” Haise says. “We will see if our two midfield holders will no longer be here, if there will be one or zero.”