The sale of Nntes talisman Ludovic Blas is ‘unthinkable’ as far as Nantes are concerned amid reported interest from Premier League duo West Ham United and Newcastle, as reported by Le 10 Sport.
He’s not just their star player; Their top scorer. He’s also their driving force, their inspiration, their set-piece king. The man who scored the winner in the Coupe de France final last season, securing Nantes’ first piece of silverware in nearly two decades.
The likes of Moses Simon and Alban Lafont have been linked with moves away from the Stade de la Beaujoire in recent weeks; Nottingham Forest like the former, while the latter could replace Kasper Schmeichel at Leicester City.
But, for Kombouare, Ludovic Blas is the one player Nantes cannot afford to lose.
Ludovic Blas linked with West Ham and Newcastle United
“For me, sportingly, it’s unthinkable to see Ludo leave. I want him to stay,” says former PSG coach Kombouare.
According to reports, Newcastle and West Ham have both shown an interest in Blas. The Magpies want support for the injury-prone Callum Wilson, while The Hammers are also in the market for a new forward despite the £30 million arrival of Gianluca Scamacca.
As things stand, however, Lille are in pole position for the £12 millon-rated Blas; Much to Kombouare’s bemusement.
“Everyone told me it was Lille,” the manager adds. “That is not a sporting project, in my opinion. They finished 10th (last season), behind us. And above all, they didn’t qualify for Europe.
“You have to explain to me (why Blas would want to go).”
Nantes’ outspoken president Waldemir Kita struck a similar tone when discussing Blas’ future with L’Equipe earlier in the week. With so little time to find an adequate replacement, it’s simply too late in the window to consider accepting any offers.
“He’s a player I really like,” Kita adds. “It was I who brought him from Guingamp and we cannot let anyone leave two weeks before the end of the transfer window either.
“Today, I would say that he is not leaving. I want him to stay.”
What’s more, Nantes have already been rebuffed in their pursuit of a potential successor. Bordeaux’s Hwang Ui Jo – Kombouare’s top target – turned down a move earlier this month.
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