Arsenal, Spurs, Man Utd see defensive target sign for Lyon for €30m

Joachim Andersen Samp

Lyon have signed defender Joachim Andersen from Serie A side Sampdoria.

The Ligue 1 side have agreed a €30million deal for Andersen, who was heavily linked with Arsenal and Tottenham, with €25million paid up front, with €5million in add-ons.

“Andersen arrived on a private plane with his family,” Aulas said at a press conference. “The objective was to bring him here along with other players. Our transfer campaign hasn’t finished yet, we’ll do other deals.

Sporting director Juninho Pernambucano added: “Andersen is a fantastic player. “He has great tactical and technical skills, which will help us a lot. We hope to announce him soon.”

The 23-year-old centre-back made 32 league appearances last season and was understood to be a target for both north London clubs.

Spurs reportedly saw the player as the ideal replacement for Toby Alderweireld, who has been linked with Roma, whilst the Gunners are also in the market for two centre-backs.

Manchester United were also thought to have an interest in the Dane, who was also being chased by AC Milan, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.

After missing out on Ozan Kabak, Milan wanted the player to be reunited with Marco Giampaolo at the San Siro if he joined Milan, a coach whom Andersen has praised on numerous occasions.

 

Instead though Lyon have swooped for the defender, who joined Sampdoria in 2017 from Dutch side FC Twente.

After struggling in his first season in Serie A, he earned a starting spot under Giampaolo and was one of the club’s best players throughout the campaign.

 

Joachim Andersen

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