Guido Rodriguez tells Lyon he is not joining, approach for Baptiste Santamaria | OneFootball

L’Équipe report that 29-year-old Argentinian international and Real Betis central midfielder Guido Rodriguez has informed Ligue 1 side Lyon that he will not be joining them, after the French side pursued a deal for the player in recent days.

The player told OL on Thursday evening that he would not be joining the club for personal reasons. Rodriguez has 12 months remaining on his current deal with Real Betis and has had a 4-year provisional contract agreement in place with Lyon for several weeks.

OL’s most recent bid for the player was €15m including bonuses, with Rodriguez having already spoken with Lyon manager Laurent Blanc.

Following the off-pitch instability around the club in recent hours owing to a civil war between ex-Lyon President Aulas and American owner John Textor, Rodriguez has decided not to join for personal reasons.

AC Milan’s 29-year-old Bosnian midfielder Rade Krunic, who was another target for Lyon in the #6 position, is also not going to join Lyon as the Italian side’s manager, Stefano Pioli, wishes to retain the player.

OL’s recruitment department has approached 28-year-old Rennes midfielder Baptiste Santamaria as they continue to seek to find a number 6 before tomorrow’s deadline.

GFFN | James Thorpe