Transfer Centre

Juventus bid for Lyon's Lisandro Lopez

By Subhankar Mondal, Reporter | 13 January 2013

Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas says that Juventus want to sign Lisandro Lopez on loan in January, but insists that the striker will remain with the French club.

Lyon have revealed that Juventus have made an approach to sign striker Lisandro Lopez on loan in January.

The French club's president Jean-Michel Aulas has claimed that the Bianconeri's offer is not enough to make them think about letting the 29-year-old leave this month, however.

"I can confirm that Juventus asked us for Lisandro Lopez on loan but we don't like that option and do not want to release him," ESPNSoccernet quotes him as saying.

"Everyone knows what Lisandro has done for Lyon and what he can do in the future. He may not be at the apex of his career now, but he is a symbol for us, almost like Juninho was.

"If a proposal for the player arrives that we consider suitable for his value, then we will examine it and try to find a balance between sporting and economic needs."

Aulas added that Lopez wants to remain at Lyon.

"Let's not forget the player himself said he wanted to stay with us for a long time," he said. "In all honesty, I hope he will remain, because there are still great things we can do together."

Lopez joined Lyon from Porto in 2009.