Michel Bastos not for sale
French giants Olympique Lyonnais have tried to put a stop to the constant transfer rumors surrounding left-back Michel Bastos. The club issued a statement today saying that the player is not for sale.
“Olympique Lyonnais wish to clarify that the Brazilian international Michel Bastos will stay with our club and therefore there’s no reason to talk about an eventual transfer, despite what some newspaper reports suggest,” said the posting on the team’s website. “OL and their Coach Claude Puel are happy with the performances that contributed to the good results of the club in his first season at Lyon and the Brazilian team, which saw him play in the World Cup quarter-finals,” the statement said, recapping many of the reasons why Bastos has been highly sought after this summer.
“Bastos is part of the group of players that OL want to focus on for a great campaign ahead, both in the French competitions and the Champions League,” the statement concluded.
Bastos has been heavily linked with a trio of Italian heavy hitters, including Juventus, Milan and Inter, all of whom, if reports are to be believed, have been jockeying for the capture of the €22m-rated left-back. Juventus, in particular, have been very closely linked to the Brazilian, with new reports coming out today that the Turin club was actually in the process of selling striker Diego to fund their purchase of Bastos.
Juventus have struggled to find a permanent left-back since returning to Serie A in the 2007-2008 season. The club first tried Cristian Molinaro in that position, but eventually brought in 2006 World Cup hero Fabio Grosso. Both players have since left the team. Paolo De Ceglie, meanwhile, has become the de facto starting left-back, however, it’s clear the team is looking for an upgrade. For the time being, though, Michel Bastos is not the answer.
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