Lyon interested in Atlético Madrid midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia | OneFootball

Although the exact room for manoeuvre the new Lyon management will have during the upcoming transfer window remains unclear, Les Gones have nevertheless begun work on a crucial summer, as they look to set themselves up for a return to European competition.

New club president and majority shareholder John Textor will notably need to present a modified financial plan to the DNCG – French football’s financial watchdog – after the club missed out on a projected spot in the Champions League.

According to RMC Sport, the priority is to bring in a defensive midfielder, as requested by manager Laurent Blanc. The club are notably targeting Geoffrey Kondogbia, the 30-year-old’s potential arrival seen as an opportunity to add some much-needed experience to the squad.

The former Lens and Monaco man has been playing in Spain for the last six seasons, and turned out 27 times in all competitions for Atlético Madrid this past season. Given Lyon are in no European competition next season, though, a deal could prove difficult to pull off.

Among the club’s other targets is Clinton Mata, a 30-year-old Angolan international who plays for Club Brugge, who would reinforce the right-back position in the wake of Malo Gusto’s departure. Both targets were identified before the arrival of new Head of Recruitment Matthieu Louis-Jean.

GFFN | Raphaël Jucobin