Lyon reject Napoli approach for Gonalons
Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has revealed he rejected a €17 million bid from Napoli for midfielder Maxime Gonalons.
![](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/vf3Z5Aqizm4sLcvqAqa8Rn.jpg)
Rafael Benitez has been a long-term admirer of the France international and reportedly looked to sign him in the pre-season transfer window before returning for him now.
But Aulas is determined to keep the 24-year-old in Ligue 1 for now and claimed he has convinced Gonalons that he should remain at the Stade de Gerland for the foreseeable future.
"On his departure, I answered no," Aulas told the club's official website.
"I have talked with the president of Napoli (Aurelio De Laurentiis) to warn him. Max will remain at Lyon.
"The decision was taken Monday night. This decision was taken in consultation with Remi Garde.
"The proposal amounted to €17million on Monday night, but I have convinced Max that his future remains at Lyon at least until the end of season.
"Max must go to a big club, should there be an undeniable interest.
Get FourFourTwo Newsletter
The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.
"OL, it has a very important status and as he hopes to go to Brazil (with France for the 2014 FIFA World Cup).
"Could he start in Naples after the end of the season? There's no decision taken.
"Maxime is a boy of quality. At the end of it, he was flattered that a big club is interested in him."
![LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 5: Arne Slot Manager of Liverpool congratulates Mohamed Salah of Liverpool after the 4-0 victory during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD4 match between Liverpool FC and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at Anfield on November 5, 2024 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Crystal Pix/MB Media/Getty Images)](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/q3ie7X2vDDiU7X6C9HVRK7-840-80.jpg)
‘The pure simplicity of the way Slot has managed the squad is probably the biggest thing I could say about him. It’s not broken, so let’s get on with it’: Liverpool legend full of admiration for Jurgen Klopp's successor at Anfield
![CARDIFF, UNITED KINGDOM - JUNE 02: Wales captain Ryan Giggs shakes the hand of manager John Toshack after being substituted on his last International appearance for his country during the Euro 2008 Group D Qualifying Match between Wales and Czech Republic at the Millennium Stadium on June 2, 2007 in Cardiff, Wales. Photo by (Stu Forster/Getty Images)](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ooQ9oNmgvfUUG8TBUhn6BK-840-80.jpg)
‘I trained at Spurs and thought they’d give me a chance. But I received a letter thanking me but saying they didn’t think I was good enough – I was gutted’: How Tottenham missed out on signing Wales legend John Toshack