Transfer spotlight: The French
sensation catching Arsenal’s attention
With Chelsea and Manchester City looking so dominant
it would appear Arsene Wenger is already planning for next season as he ups his
interest in Lyon attacker Nabil Fekir.
The 21-year-old, who was impressive
during his breakthrough season last time out, has been in sumptuous form for
the French side this season and made himself an integral part of their team,
who sit third in Ligue 1.
So what’s so special about him?
talkSPORT’s Transfer Spotlight takes a look…
Name: Nabil Fekir
Date of birth: 18 July, 1993
Birthplace: Lyon, France
Club: Lyon
Position: Attacking midfielder
International: France Under-21
Date of birth: 18 July, 1993
Birthplace: Lyon, France
Club: Lyon
Position: Attacking midfielder
International: France Under-21
What’s the latest?
After an excellent start to the season, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is now keen on taking the dazzling attacking midfielder to the Emirates next summer. Scout Gilles Grimandi has been watching the starlet attentively as he looks to advise his compatriot and a bid of €10million may be enough to see Lyon part with the academy product, according to Le 10 Sport.
After an excellent start to the season, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is now keen on taking the dazzling attacking midfielder to the Emirates next summer. Scout Gilles Grimandi has been watching the starlet attentively as he looks to advise his compatriot and a bid of €10million may be enough to see Lyon part with the academy product, according to Le 10 Sport.
The nitty gritty
1. Born in Lyon to Algerian parents, Fekir came through the
academy system with his hometown club, which is famed for the production of
stars like Karim Benzema and Hatem Ben Arfa in
recent years.
2. After progressing through the ranks, the youngster made his
debut at the beginning of last season against Evian but couldn’t stop his side falling to a 2-1
defeat.
3. Fekir went on to play 15 times across the campaign and
scored his first senior goal on in Lyon’s 4-1 triumph over Bastia in April.
4. Having established his credentials in a promising
breakthrough year he started the new season under Hubert Fournier in a no. 10
role and proved so successful that when Yoann Gourcuff returned from injury Fekir was
moved up alongside prolific striker Alexandre Lacazette so he could remain in
the team.
5. Six goals in 12 appearances have done his international
chances no harm but he is now involved in a tussle between Algeria and France
who both want him to represent them. So far a French Under-21 cap is his only
taste of football with a national
team but more is sure to come.
They say:
“There is no other player in France
that can play this position. Passers, other players, don’t have his range of
tricks. There’s something special, particularly about left-footed players, like
Messi, like Robben.” (Ex-Lyon player Bernard Lacombe)
Image : Source
COMMENTS