Thursday, May 20, 2010

Claude: Lloris and Toulalan ain't gunner leave

Olympique Lyonnais coach Claude Puel has confirmed that their highly rated France internationals Jeremy Toulalan and Hugo Lloris will not be leaving the club "no matter what happens in the transfer market" this summer.

The duo have being heavily linked with a move to England (precisely Arsenal) in the past.
Especially Hugo Lloris, whom many Arsenal fans will love to see at the Emirates - although, some unfounded rumours suggest Arsene Wenger is interested in Jeremy Toulalan as the gaffer increasingly looks set to rectify Arsenal's fragile defence ahead of next season.

Puel stated without mincing words that: "No matter what happens in the transfer market between now and the start of the season, 'Toul' (Jeremy Toulalan) and Hugo (Lloris) will be playing for us (Lyon) next season."

He revealed his desire to sign Arsenal' transfer target Yoann Gourcuff, but he added that Lyon's financial state might determine his next move: "Gourcuff has everything you need to play at the highest level," Puel said.

"He's incredibly fit, which is very important for the Champions League and all the games we'll be asked to play.

"Technically, he's excellent and capable of making the difference in a match.

"He's certainly a player we're interested in, but I think it's too early to talk about any potential transfer.
But it would depend on our financial possibilities and I think he'd be too expensive for us."