Olympique Lyonnais are now almost certain to hijack AS Monaco’s move for FC Metz forward Georges Mikautadze (23) after an agreement was reached on a transfer fee, according to L’Équipe.
Mikautadze’s move back to Metz from Ajax was made permanent earlier this summer, however, the Georgia international was never going to remain with Les Grenats, especially after the club’s relegation back to Ligue 2. There had been fierce competition for striker’s signature, with multiple Ligue 1 clubs – and West Ham United – in the race.
It was a race that had looked set to be won by AS Monaco, who had all but agreed terms with the player, reached an agreement with Metz, and scheduled a medical. He was expected in the Principality over the weekend or at the start of this week at the latest, however, Mikautadze has had his heart set on a move to Lyon, his city of birth.
His decision has been made for some time and he only wanted to play for OL. An agreement between Les Gones and Metz has now been reached. Lyon will pay €18m (without bonuses), which is less than the fee that Monaco agreed with Les Grenats. The Georgia international will now leave Barcelona, where he is currently on holiday, and travel to Lyon on Tuesday in order to undergo a medical. He will then sign a five-year deal with the Ligue 1 club.
