Rennes in talks to sign Montpellier’s Joris Chotard

Stade Rennais, for the first time in seven years, won’t compete in European football next season. Preparations to return towards the summit of Ligue 1 have begun with the club preparing for another summer of spending. 

SRFC’s budget will likely be determined by outgoings – and there are likely to be plenty of them – with the likes of Arnaud Kalimuendo, Désiré Doué and Arthur Theate all tipped to depart at the end of the season. However, despite the uncertainty surrounding the future of sporting director Florian Maurice, Rennes are also preparing for incomings. 

One player targeted is Montpellier HSC’s Joris Chotard (22), according to a report from Foot MercatoThe Breton club have even opened discussions over signing the French midfielder, who has featured on 30 occasions for MHSC in Ligue 1 this season. However, with the France youth international’s contract expiring at the end of next season, Montpellier believe that now is the time to cash in. 

Rennes have shown the strongest interest but the Ligue 1 club may also face competition from the Bundesliga with Freiburg also registering their interest in the midfielder. 

GFFN | Luke Entwistle