News Focus
- 26-year-old Esteban Lepaul scored 21 goals for Stade Rennais in Ligue 1 this season.
- Portuguese club Benfica and Italian side Como want to sign the striker.
- Atlético Madrid from Spain have also asked about the player.
- Rennes want €30 million for their top scorer.
- The Frenchman says he prefers to stay at Rennes to play in European competitions.
Esteban Lepaul has become one of the most wanted strikers in French football. The 26-year-old forward moved to Stade Rennais from Angers last summer. He enjoyed an excellent first campaign at Roazhon Park, netting 21 times in Ligue 1. This impressive return made him the club’s leading marksman and secured his spot in the Get French Football News Team of the Year.
Several major European sides are now monitoring his situation. According to Foot Mercato, Atlético Madrid have already made an enquiry about the player. The Spanish giants are searching for a reliable goalscorer. L’Équipe now reports that Benfica and Como have also entered the race to capture his signature.
The French club value their star attacker at roughly €30 million. This asking price could be met as demand for the former Angers player continues to rise. However, Lepaul has expressed a desire to remain with his current employers. He told reporters earlier this month that he sees his future at Rennes.
The striker explained that competing in European tournaments is his priority. Rennes are certain to play in the UEFA Europa Conference League next term. They could secure a place in the Europa League if RC Lens defeat OGC Nice in the Coupe de France final. This prospect aligns perfectly with the player’s ambitions for the upcoming season.