Lyon are set to deal a serious blow to Ligue 1 rivals Monaco’s summer plans by hijacking George Mikautadze’s (23) transfer to the Principality club, according to a report this Monday from L’Equipe. The Metz talisman was expected to arrive in Monaco on Saturday to complete his transfer with the Champions League-playing Monégasques, with which the demoted Ligue 2 side had agreed a €25m total package for the services of their prized asset. The thing is, George Mikautadze has rejected the opportunity to seal the deal.
The outlet understands that one of the Euro 2024’s standout players had secretly agreed on a five-year contract with his formative club, Lyon. The Rhône club executives have reportedly worked tirelessly to convince George Mikautadze to join them, despite the competition of team captain Alexandre Lacazette (33) upfront. However, the former Arsenal striker is entering his final contract year and Lyon wanted to wrap up his potential long-term replacement as quickly as possible.
Lyon are now expected to enter into talks with Metz and rely on Mikautadze’s willingness to join Pierre Sage’s side to lower his transfer fee. Les Gones are reportedly very confident of their chances to secure the services of one of the most clinical center-forwards of the past Ligue 1 season. Despite playing only half a term with the struggling Grenats, the Lyon-born George Mikautadze logged 13 goals and four assists, which were not enough to prevent the Lorraine side from falling into Ligue 2.
GFFN | Bastien Cheval
