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
