RC Lens Reject Roma Bid as Midfielder Neil El Aynaoui Offered New Deal

RC Lens have turned down a €20 million offer from AS Roma for Neil El Aynaoui. They want to keep the Moroccan midfielder at the club and have offered him a new contract.

WHAT HAPPENED?

AS Roma bid €20 million to sign Neil El Aynaoui, but RC Lens rejected the offer. They think he is worth more. So, Lens made El Aynaoui a new contract offer to keep him until 2029. Since Roma can’t meet Lens’ asking price, they will now look at other midfield targets for the new season.

EL AYNAOUI’S RISE AND LENS’ AMBITIONS

Neil El Aynaoui, 24, was a standout player for RC Lens last season. He scored eight goals and provided one assist in only 24 Ligue 1 appearances. His performances have attracted interest from Juventus, AC Milan, and Premier League sides like Sunderland, Leeds United, and Wolverhampton. Lens are keen to retain El Aynaoui, showing their ambition after finishing fifth in Ligue 1 and qualifying for the UEFA Europa League.

He scored eight goals and provided one assist in Ligue 1 last season.

WHAT COMES NEXT?

Since Roma have backed off, Lens are focused on keeping El Aynaoui and hope he will accept their new offer. The midfielder is expected to make a decision soon as Lens aim to finalize their squad before their Europa League campaign. Roma will shift their focus to other midfield targets as they prepare for their Serie A opener in mid-August. Meanwhile, Lens will begin their Ligue 1 season also in August and as such, both teams will want to close their squads as early as possible.