French outlet Foot Mercato claim Unai Emery’s Villarreal have been rejected in a move to sign Lyon striker Moussa Dembele – amid reports Arsenal are showing interest in a deal for Alexandre Lacazette’s new teammate.
Lyon have chosen to re-sign Lacazette despite the form of 26-year-old Dembele last season. The ex-Celtic and Fulham striker scored 22 goals in 35 games for the French outfit last season – but is out of contract come the end of 2023.
Earlier reports this summer say that Arsenal are looking at Dembele – despite the signing of Gabriel Jesus. Arsenal have also extended the contract of Eddie Nketiah after a brilliant end to the 2021-22 campaign, convincing him to stay.
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Now, FM say ex-Arsenal boss Emery wanted him at Villarreal this summer. But a move to land him has been rejected. It is claimed he wants to see out his Lyon deal. However, should Arsenal come calling, they may find more success.
Villarreal rejected in Dembele move amid Arsenal interest
Despite reaching the Champions League semi-finals last season, Emery’s side will only be in the Conference League this season, having finished in seven. That could well be on Dembele’s mind, given his goal tally last term.
Only a handful of strikers scored more than 20 goals in the top-five European leagues. So, he will be surely holding out for a bigger move than Villarreal. Arsenal would certainly give them that, given the size of the club.
Not only that, but because the Gunners have a realistic chance of winning the Europa League. But would Lyon’s £20m (Mail) signing join a side that play with one up top. That is, with Nketiah signed on and Jesus joining? Time will tell.
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