Chancel Mbemba set to remain at Marseille despite Saudi offers
L’Équipe are reporting that Chancel Mbemba (29) looks set to remain at Olympique de Marseille this summer, despite approaches from Saudi Arabia.
Mbemba joined Les Phocéens on a free transfer last summer and quickly established himself as a first-choice centre-back under Igor Tudor. The DR Congo international has a contract with Marseille that runs until 2025, but this summer was the subject of a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia. The club, whose identity has not yet been revealed, also approached Marseille to discuss a transfer.
Whilst OM were only demanding a few million euros for Mbemba, the player himself was uninterested in a move to the Gulf State. Saudi clubs are still following Mbemba, who still retains ambitious sporting ambitions and therefore doesn’t see himself leaving a club that is set to compete in the UEFA Champions League.
Under new manager Marcelino, Mbemba’s starting position is, however, under threat. In pre-season, the Spanish manager has chosen Samuel Gigot and Leonardo Balerdi as his starting centre-back partnership, but the club’s Champions League qualifier against Panathinaikos on Wednesday night will provide a clearer picture.
GFFN | Luke Entwistle
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