Clement Grenier confirmed Lyon have rejected a bid from Arsenal this summer for his services.The attacking midfielder only has a year remaining on his contract and reports from France earlier this week claimed Lyon had turned down a £6 million ($9 million) offer from the Gunners as Arsene Wenger looks to bring the talented 22-year-old to the Emirates.
Grenier’s spectacular end to the Ligue 1 season helped convince Arsene Wenger the France international midfielder could fit into his plans in north London. The Arsenal boss, however, faces a battle to capture Grenier with Lyon determined to hold onto one of most promising homegrown talents, despite the player having just a year left on his contract.
Grenier himself has now come out and said a bid had indeed been offered for him by Arsenal, while insisting his future is yet to be decided.
According to Goal ,he said :
I know Lyon have rejected an offer from Arsenal. Of course it’s flattering that clubs are interested in me.It’s hard for me to talk about my future now because I’m not yet certain of it. I prefer to wait to be 100% sure of what is going to happen before I do it.
My decision will be made and announced after the meeting. As soon as I’m 100% certain, then I can say more about it. Even for me it’s a little complicated. I’m very happy to return to Tignes, to prepare. I know the season will be long. That’s my priority for the moment.
I have a meeting very soon with the president, the coach and my representatives, to discuss a little bit of everything.
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But today I have problems talking about my future because nothing is decided. I prefer to wait to be 100 per cent sure about what is going to happen.
Grenier is technically sound, comfortable with both feet, can run with the ball and is great in deadball situations. He is also vastly versatile, which would allow Wenger to play him anywhere across the middle of the park or behind the striker. And, most importantly for Wenger, he is still willing to learn and to be moulded into an Arsenal player.
However, his strongest and most prominent role is as an attacking midfielder sitting behind the strikers.From this role the 22-year-old has managed to score six goals and notch up seven assists in 21 appearances for his club this season.The midfielder is also shown himself to be adept from set pieces after scoring 2 outstanding long-range free kicks this season, and one goal from the penalty spot.
So the player’s comments suggest that he still has not decided on his future but Arsenal are too big a club to ignore.An improved offer about £10 million will be enough to persuade Lyon into selling.So if the player is interested then i believe the deal will definitely happen.
Do you want to see him in Arsenal colors next season?
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