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Manchester United-linked Moussa Dembele 'turns down new Lyon contract'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 24 August 2022

Man United-linked Dembele 'turns down new Lyon contract'

Moussa Dembele, who has been linked with Manchester United this summer, rejects Lyon's latest contract offer, according to a report.

Moussa Dembele has reportedly rejected Lyon's latest contract offer and has informed the Ligue 1 outfit that he has no intention of extending his stay at Parc Olympique Lyonnais.

The 26-year-old enjoyed an impressive 2021-22 campaign for his French club, finding the back of the net on 22 occasions in 36 appearances in all competitions, in addition to providing five assists.

In total, the Frenchman has scored 67 goals and registered 18 assists in 144 appearances for Les Gones since making the move from Celtic in 2018.

Dembele's contract is due to expire next summer, though, and there has been a host of speculation surrounding his future during the summer window.

Manchester United are believed to be admirers of the former Fulham youngster, with the Red Devils potentially bringing in two new forwards before the deadline.

Lyon striker Moussa Dembele pictured in February 2020 © Reuters

Meanwhile, Arsenal have also been credited with an interest in the striker, who scored 51 goals and registered 18 assists in 94 appearances for Celtic during his time in Scottish football.

According to L'Equipe, Lyon have failed in their latest attempts to keep hold of Dembele, who has made it clear that he does not want to sign a new contract.

The report claims that the Ligue 1 side offered him two-year extension, but he is expected to leave either this summer or on a free transfer when his contract expires next June.

Fenerbahce and Galatasaray are believed to be among the clubs keeping a close eye on the developments, with the duo keen to sign him on a free transfer.

Dembele has previous experience of playing in the Premier League, making two appearances in England's top flight for Fulham during the 2013-14 campaign.

Lyon's Moussa Dembele celebrates scoring their first goal with teammates in August 2021 © Reuters

The Frenchman went on to score 19 goals and register nine assists in 64 games for Fulham, including a strong 2015-16 campaign, when he netted on 17 occasions in all competitions.

Man United are believed to be working on deals for Ajax's Antony and PSV Eindhoven's Cody Gakpo in the latter stages of the transfer window, with head coach Erik ten Hag determined to improve his attack.

A new centre-forward could also arrive, though, as there is still uncertainty surrounding the future of Cristiano Ronaldo, who is still pushing to leave the club.

Ronaldo was left out of the starting XI against Liverpool on Monday evening, with the 37-year-old only featuring as a late substitute in his side's 2-1 win.

There is not an obvious suitor for the forward at this stage of the window, though, with a number of clubs believed to have already rejected the chance to sign him in the current market.