Benfica and Como join the race to sign Rennes’ Esteban Lepaul | OneFootball

Esteban Lepaul (26) was one of the stars of the season in Ligue 1. The Frenchman joined Stade Rennais from SCO Angers at the start of the season and finished as top-scorer, netting 21 goals in the league. It also earned him a place in this season’s Get French Football News Team of the Year.

As per a report from Foot Mercato, Atletico Madrid are interested in the Frenchman, whilst Atletico Madrid recently made an enquiry about the prolific goalscorer. It is thought that Les Rennais value their forward at around €30m. 

There is an increased chance of that valuation being met, given that interest in the former Angers striker is growing. L’Équipe understands that Benfica and Como are now also in the race to sign the player. It could see Rennes’ desire to retain Lepaul tested.

However, one thing working in the French club’s favour is the player’s openness to remaining at Roazhon Park. “My future is at Rennes. There are objectives that I hope will be reached. I think that, for me, the next step is to have a full season with a club that is playing in Europe. So it fits perfectly. I think I need to back it up with a season in Europe,” said Lepaul earlier this month. Next season, Rennes are guaranteed UEFA Europa Conference League football. Should RC Lens beat OGC Nice in the final of the Coupe de France, they will qualify for the Europa League.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle