The transfer of Louis Munteanu, the top scorer of the last edition of Liga 1 and of CFR Cluj, to France seems to be entering the final stretch.
Specifically, there is a team that ardently desires the young 23-year-old Romanian striker. This comes after owner Neluțu Varga recently stated that even Olympique Lyonnais is interested in Munteanu, the leader of the Europa League group and seven-time champion of France.
But besides Lyon, the press in Hexagon has also discovered another team with a notable name interested in Louis. It's about FC Nantes, or the Canaries as they are also called, the team in yellow and green where another great Romanian striker used to play, namely Viorel Moldovan.
"FC Nantes: a mysterious Romanian striker may come to compete with Abline and Mostafa Mohamed," headlines the French from hommedumatch.fr, continuing: "FC Nantes is actively exploring the transfer market this winter, with Louis Munteanu, a 23-year-old Romanian striker playing for CFR Cluj, in their sights. The transfer of a striker represents a strategic priority for Waldemar Kita, who aims to strengthen the offensive sector under the leadership of Luis Castro.
The precarious financial situation of the Romanian club creates a major opportunity for interested teams. The search for a quality striker is part of a broader reflection on the reconstruction of Nantes' squad, especially in light of potential departures among current players.
The possible arrival of Munteanu fits perfectly with Luis Castro's tactical vision, who is looking for a true finisher. This becomes even more urgent if Mostafa Mohamed leaves the club this winter, creating a substantial gap in Nantes' attack.
The non-transferable status granted to Matthis Abline demonstrates the desire to retain emerging talents, while also strengthening the team through confirmed profiles.
The Romanian international would bring his finishing qualities, his experience in continental competitions, and his mastery of high-level play. His versatility would offer the coach more tactical flexibility and adjustments against various opponents," concludes the analysis from French journalists.
Munteanu has only scored one goal in the current Liga 1 season, a lackluster performance for the Romanian striker who has been dreaming since summer of joining a top European team. CFR Cluj is asking for 10 million euros for the transfer of Louis Munteanu, according to Varga's statements to GSP.ro: "I won't discuss below 10 million euros. Rather than selling him for 6 million, I prefer to keep him to play for us. We had an offer of 9 million euros, all the money upfront, but I categorically refused. I want at least 10 million euros! Munteanu is a high-quality player. I don't negotiate below 10 million euros," Varga conveyed to the aforementioned newspaper.
D.A.