According to reports from Ouest-France, FC Nantes has turned down a bid from Sunderland for their 22-year-old centre-forward, Matthis Abline.
Sunderland is actively targeting the French market to reinforce their squad, particularly in attack, as they prepare for a potential return to the Premier League. Habib Diarra is reportedly close to joining, and other attacking options being considered include Olympique Lyonnais` Georges Mikautadze and Matthis Abline. The Black Cats had even made an offer for the young France international.
Foot Mercato initially reported the bid was valued at €20 million. However, Ouest-France confirms this offer has been rejected. Nantes` leadership recently stated the club is under no pressure to sell players this summer. To let Abline, who joined from rivals Stade Rennais last year, leave, Nantes requires a considerably higher transfer fee.
Earlier in the transfer window, Nantes owner Waldemar Kita controversially claimed that Olympique de Marseille would need to pay €50 million for the player. This high valuation was likely influenced by Kita`s difficult history with Marseille and doesn`t necessarily represent the asking price for other interested clubs.
