The big money signings by Paris Saint-Germain will naturally have an effect on the rest of France. They may hold a nine-point lead at the top of the division, but there’s still plenty of talent to be found elsewhere. Bordeaux’s Malcom and Monaco’s Thomas Lemar have been heavily linked with a move across The Channel, but here are five other Ligue One players who could be of interest to Premier League clubs.
Nabil Fekir - Lyon
The 24-year-old has lifted his level since the departure of Alexandre Lacazette to Arsenal last summer. He has an incredible 13 goals in 16 appearances in Ligue One this term, as he occupies a No.10 role.
Fekir is the complete attacker from a technical point of view and has added more consistency to his game since he was made captain. He would naturally command a huge figure, but both Liverpool and Arsenal would be wise to move now before the rest of Europe’s giants act after the World Cup.
Hiroki Sakai - Marseille
Marseille’s defence has found a little stability in recent weeks and has kept five clean sheets in the last nine matches in all competitions. Right-back Sakai has been a consistent feature in the side amongst a number of new signings.
The Japanese defender is now in his second season in the South of France having spent four years in the Bundesliga with Hannover. He is good in the air and has excellent concentration levels.
Sakai keeps the game simple and is a good passer of the ball. There are certainly more skilful players within Rudi Garcia’s squad, but the 27-year-old would be a decent acquisition for a mid-table English team.
Karl Toko Ekambi - Angers
Toko Ekambi has scored a variety of goals this season and currently has nine in 16 starts in the league. His side Angers are currently second from bottom, but he could be the difference between staying up and relegation.
The Cameroon international is quick, strong and creates many of his own opportunities. He’s versatile and has played an equal amount of matches out wide as he has done as the central striker.
The attacker is equally comfortable starting a move that he finishes with a selection of one-twos, as he is scoring from a cross off a teammate. Brighton have already had a bid rejected, whilst Burnley and West Bromwich Albion are also keen on the forward that’s valued at £12 million.
Abdoulaye Toure - Nantes
The 23-year-old progressed through the ranks at Nantes, but has only held down a regular first-team role since the arrival of Claudio Ranieri. Toure is a physically imposing midfielder, who can play as a holder or in a box-to-box manner.
He has outstanding anticipation and positional awareness for a player that has yet to make 50 first-team appearances. Toure would be a welcome addition for any club that likes to play on the counter-attack, with his confident dribbling and interception ability.
Alassane Plea - Nice
Mario Balotelli has been the star performer for Nice, but any potential suitors might be better opting for his strike partner. Plea is a quality dribbler and a decent passer within Lucien Favre’s tactically flexible system.
The striker was fifth in the French scoring charts last season with 11 goals before he was ruled out for the remainder of the campaign in February with a knee injury. He has now fully recovered and scored 10 goals in all competitions so far.
