Sunderland have joined French clubs in the race to sign FC Nantes’ Matthis Abline this summer, according to Foot Mercato.
The striker initially joined the Ligue 1 club on loan from Stade Rennais in 2023 and they made his stay permanent a year later. He impressed last season, managing 11 goals and two assists from 36 games.
His ‘great season’ at Nantes hasn’t gone unnoticed as Lille and Marseille have identified him as targets.
These two clubs have made contact and Nantes manager Waldemar Kita handed a blow to Roberto De Zerbi’s side that they need to offer €50m for the Frenchman.
Sunderland have been added to the list of the 22-year-old’s suitors and are ‘particularly keen’ on signing him. Régis Le Bris is well informed on the French market, and so are those above him at the club.
In order to secure Abline’s services, Foot Mercato state the Black Cats have offered a ‘significant sum’ of €20m. They suspect this may not be enough for the Premier League newcomers to convince Nantes.
Abline’s contract lasts until 2028, and the report makes no mention of Nantes’ request, or the fee needed to convince them.
