AS Monaco pushing to sign RC Lens’ €20m-rated Neil El Aynaoui | OneFootball

Could AS Monaco be set to deal RC Lens a double blow. The Principality club look set to pip Les Sang et Or to the signing of FC Metz’s Georges Mikautadze (23), according to L’Équipe, and the transfer could be concluded in the coming days. The publication also reports that Monaco are pushing to sign Lens midfielder Neil El Aynaoui (23).

The Morocco youth international arrived at Lens only last year and for a very meagre sum, an estimated €600k from National 1 side AS Nancy. Expectations weren’t high, howevr, he surpassed them with aplomb, establishing himself in Franck Haise’s squad, making 31 appearances in all competitions, including three in the UEFA Champions League.

Monaco return to the Champions League this season and are looking to strengthen their midfield, especially given that they are almost certain to lose AC Milan target Youssouf Fofana (25) in the coming weeks. Les Monégasques are interested in El Aynaoui and Lens, looking to raise funds, aren’t opposed to a departure, however, it would take at east €20m to do a deal.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle