Caen firm over starlet
Caen have insisted that they have not received bids from Arsenal or Lyon for Yoan Gouffran.
Caen have insisted that they have not received bids from Arsenal or Lyon for starlet Yoan Gouffran and they are not looking to sell.The 21-year-old was voted Ligue 2 Player of the Year as he helped Caen seal promotion to the French top flight.
He is now being linked with a big money move away from the club, with Arsenal and Lyon seemingly battling it out for his services.
Caen president Jean-Francois Fortin admits there is a great deal of interest in Gouffran, but insists no bids have been lodged and he would not welcome them, should they make a firm approach.
"Yoan is a very promising player, who causes a lot of interest amongst several clubs," Fortin told L'Equipe.
"I have read in the press particular interest from that of Arsenal and Lyon, but for the moment I can assure you that I haven't had a call from either Alain Perrin [Lyon coach] or Arsene Wenger."
Fortin feels Gouffran should remain at Caen next season.
"In any event he is under contract with us," he said.
"Yoan is a young player who has not played in Ligue 1 and I am convinced the best thing for him is the stage here.
"Unlike us, I am not sure the interested clubs could guarantee him a stage to perform like we can. If he is given just 20 minutes at the end of a match - I don't think that is very interesting for him.
"I honestly believe it is too early for him to leave."
