Newcastle United and Crystal Palace target Gael Kakuta wants to stay at Lens despite being linked with a return to the Premier League, as he told Foot RDC.
At the age of 29, a one-time wonderkid who failed to live up to lofty expectations in the shark tank of Stamford Bridge is certainly making up for lost time on the other side of the Channel.
These days, a mercurial, moustached Kakuta is the talismanic presence at the heart of a Lens side who have taken French football by storm this season, producing five assists and 11 goals in total.
Promoted last year, the Sang et Or are on the verge of sealing European qualification this.
Lens are sixth in Ligue 1 and could still finish ahead of Marseille going into the final matchday of a brilliant campaign.
The Mail reported earlier in May that Newcastle, Crystal Palace and Watford were queuing up for the £8.5 million-rated Kakuta, offering the enigmatic play-maker a chance to show Chelsea what they are missing.
But while the former Sevilla and Deportivo la Coruna man may have unfinished business in England, his focus is firmly fixed on a Lens side who may be playing Europa League football in the autumn.
“Me, I am Lensois. My goal is to stay here,” said Kakuta.
“It’s not just me who will be linked with other clubs. Lens is having a good season, everyone is happy here.”
He is not wrong.
Teammate Loic Bade has been linked with the likes of Arsenal, Leeds United and Liverpool after a superb run of form at centre-half, with some comparing him to ex-Lens starlet Raphael Varane.
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