Lyon are reportedly interested in signing West Ham target Ellyes Skhiri having conceded defeat in the race for Joao Gomes, with the Brazilian wonderkid set to join Premier League side Wolves.
According to RMC Sport, the FC Koln star has been eyed as an alternative for Lyon to Gomes, who is on the verge of signing for Wolves in what could be one of the best deals of the January transfer window, though West Ham now face missing out on a target of their own.
Bild reported that West Ham are keeping tabs on the 27-year-old Tunisian international, with Koln manager Steffen Baumgart also claiming that the midfielder wants to leave Germany this January amid growing transfer interest in the Bundesliga star.
With David Moyes in the market for a midfielder, a move for Skhiri would make a lot of sense for the West Ham manager. However, Lyon’s interest could pose a serious threat to the east London side, who might soon miss out on another target this January.
Indeed, West Ham’s fortunes this season might make Skhiri hesitant to move to England with the Hammers. And with Lyon now under new owners, a chance for a big contract at a club heading in the right direction could appeal to the midfielder.
With the French club also missing out on Gomes, Skhiri would be a solid alternative option for Lyon, with the Tunisian likely to cost less than the Flamengo superstar as well as be an easier player to deal with when it comes to talking about finances.
Lyon signing Skhiri feels nailed on with Gomes heading to Wolves
Lyon thought they had won the race for Gomes after coming in at the last second to hijack a deal from Wolves. However, unlike Chelsea and Tottenham, the Ligue 1 side have been unsuccessful in their attempt to bring the Brazilian to France, with a move for Skhiri now feeling almost inevitable.
With little time remaining in the January transfer window, Lyon need someone in now and someone in ready, and with Skhiri enjoying a good season with Koln and featuring at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the West Ham target could be perfect for Laurent Blanc’s side.
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