Speaking after the club’s 2-0 pre-season victory against Feyenoord, Lyon’s head of recruitment Bruno Cheyrou revealed that the club are looking to decrease the size of their squad ahead of the upcoming season.
Primarily, Lyon are looking at offloading midfielders and central defenders. Cheyrou said, “We need to reduce the squad size. In terms of departures, we will analyse offers on a case-by-case basis but the economics will come into consideration. We will consider the offers with Jean-Michel Aulas and Vincent Ponsot in order to make the best decisions. I am here to ensure the best team possible, but there are other things to take into account as well.”
Given the economic realities, any large offer will be considered, including for Lucas Paquetá (24). Asked whether Lyon were prepared to let Paquetá, who has been linked with Arsenal, leave, Cheyrou said, “We are prepared for every eventuality.”
Also asked about potential defensive departures, he said, “Yes, some are, in quotation marks, leaving. They have understood that they would maybe have less game time than others and they are looking at options, like us, to be able to play elsewhere. That position (centre-back) is one to reduce just like the centre midfield. We know this.”
On Houssem Aouar’s (24) move to Real Betis, Cheyrou added, “That hasn’t moved much. We are on standby but it has moved a little anyway.”
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