Lille target Nantes’ Matthis Abline as a replacement for Jonathan David | OneFootball

Several Ligue 1 clubs are showing an interest in Nantes’ talented centre-forward Matthis Abline (22), according to Foot Mercato. The France U20 international has been a revelation since he joined Nantes from Rennes eighteen months ago. Abline initially joined Les Canaris on loan from Nantes’ Brittany rivals. He quickly convinced Nantes and Antoine Kombouaré to rely on him for the foreseeable future, putting pen to paper over a four-year deal in June 2024.

Abline had another decent season with the struggling Nantes side, logging nine goals and two assists. Nevertheless, Abline’s potential and ceiling are still an unknown quantity, and several Ligue 1 clubs would be ready to take a punt on the versatile and hugely talented Angers-born striker, who may grow tired of Nantes’ tendency to constantly fight for their spot in Ligue 1.

Foot Mercato understands that at least four Ligue 1 sides have identified Abline in their shortlist to rejuvenate their options up front. One of these are Lille OSC, who are in the market for attacking reinforcements as Jonathan David and Chuba Akpom have both left. Lille’s bitter Nord rivals Lens are also said to be interested in Abline. BlueCo-owned Strasbourg, who are expected to part ways with Emanuel Emegha, are also in the running.

GFFN | Bastien Cheval