Monaco edging closer to sign Lens’ Neil El Aynaoui

AS Monaco is getting closer to getting Neil El Aynaoui’s (23) deal done, according to Foot Mercato. The RC Lens midfielder has already found an agreement with the Principality club, who have submitted a new offer to the Artois side.

Only one year after his transfer from third-tier side AS Nancy Lorraine for a nominal €600K, El Aynaoui is set to take on a new challenge ahead of next season. The 23-year-old midfielder’s only season in Ligue 1 has been far beyond any expectations, managing to sneak in Franck Haise’s plans to play 31 games across all competitions, including three cameos in the UEFA Champions League. With Lens looking to raise funds, El Aynaoui has been allowed to leave by the Artois side, and gathered interests from Premier League, but his future is likely to lie in Ligue 1.

With Youssouf Fofana (25) on the verge of joining AC Milan, Monaco are looking to strengthen their midfield and are desperate to sign Lens’ talent. However, the Sangs et Or’s whopping €25M valuation of El Aynaoui has complicated the negotiations, but the Principality club is edging closer to ending the saga, as Lens lowered their expectations and Monaco’s last offer of €15M is close to convincing the North side to let the youth Morocco international leave, reports Foot Mercato.

GFFN l Grégoire Devaux