adminAS Roma Target Neil El Aynaoui as RC Lens Prepare for More Summer Departures
RC Lens are right in the thick of a busy summer transfer window, navigating both incoming and outgoing deals. So far, the Ligue 1 side have strengthened their squad with the addition of goalkeeper Robin Risser on a five-year contract and the return of Guinean forward Morgan Guilavogui. They’ve also secured an agreement to sign 23-year-old striker Mathias Kvistgaarden from Brøndby, aiming to boost their attacking options.
However, new sporting director Jean-Louis Leca has warned that more changes could be on the horizon. “We’ll already have to see who leaves. We’ll have to make some adjustments,” he explained, underlining the club’s measured approach to building their squad.
El Aynaoui Drawing Major Interest
One player attracting significant attention is midfielder Neil El Aynaoui. The 24-year-old has become a central figure for Lens, following an impressive campaign with eight assists and a goal. Still under contract until 2027, he’s seen as both a key footballing asset and a valuable player in the transfer market.
According to Foot Mercato, El Aynaoui is now on the radar of several top European clubs, with AS Roma leading the chase. Transfer insider Matteo Moretto reports that the Italian club have already submitted a €20 million bid to Lens, though the offer has yet to be accepted. Talks are expected to continue.
Juventus and AC Milan are also keeping tabs on the midfielder, while English sides Leeds United, Wolves, and Championship outfit Sunderland are all believed to be monitoring developments. El Aynaoui, meanwhile, appears open to a move abroad, with reports indicating his desire to explore a new league, despite interest from within France.
Roma’s Pursuit Matches Their Ambition
Roma’s interest is understandable. In the post-Mourinho era, the club is focused on refreshing the squad with young, dynamic talent. El Aynaoui, who came through the ranks at AS Nancy-Lorraine, fits that vision perfectly. Calm on the ball and increasingly influential in leadership roles, he represents a smart long-term investment for a club with European aspirations.
Lens Determined to Hold On – For Now
After losing Facundo Medina to Marseille, Lens are eager to avoid a mass exodus. El Aynaoui is considered integral to the team’s future, with club insiders keen to see him stay and continue developing.
His former coach, Will Still, summed it up: “You want to build something around him because he’s still young. He still has a lot to do here. I think he has a leadership role in the team that he’s starting to embrace too.”
Nonetheless, the club may find it difficult to turn down a significantly improved offer. For Lens, the challenge remains striking a balance between sporting goals and financial sustainability. If a substantial fee is tabled and wisely reinvested, letting El Aynaoui go could be the pragmatic choice.
Profile: A Midfielder on the Rise
El Aynaoui’s strengths lie in his intelligence on the ball, tidy distribution, and relentless work rate. He does the fundamentals well but has also become increasingly progressive in his play. His eight assists in the 2023–24 season show his growing impact in attack, while his tactical discipline frees up teammates to push forward.
These are the traits that appeal to top clubs like Roma and Juventus. Meanwhile, for Premier League suitors like Leeds, Wolves, or even Sunderland, El Aynaoui could bring both control and creativity in midfield. His versatility would be particularly valuable in the physically demanding English game.
EPL Index View – Sunderland’s Perspective
From a Sunderland point of view, the prospect of signing El Aynaoui would be thrilling but comes with tempered expectations. The Black Cats are pushing forward with a clear vision for promotion and have shown ambition by targeting players capable of eventually thriving in the Premier League. El Aynaoui fits that mold.
He would pair well with current midfielders like Dan Neil and Pierre Ekwah, bringing calmness and an eye for incisive passing. His experience in Ligue 1’s high-stakes matches would be an asset in the fast-paced and often chaotic Championship.
That said, Sunderland fans would understandably question whether their club can realistically rival Roma or Milan, both financially and in terms of immediate footballing appeal. The lack of European competition and top-flight football may be a stumbling block.
Still, if Sunderland could pull off the deal, it would represent a major coup and a powerful signal of intent from the ownership. El Aynaoui is not just a player who could aid promotion—he’s one who could flourish in the Premier League if the club gets there.
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