“Terem’s a very high-level player” – Lorient make transfer decision on Super Eagles star amidst Atletico Madrid, Atalanta interests

The in-demand forward is ready to make the step up to any of Europe’s biggest sides, but spending another year in France will help his development, says Les Merlus gaffer

FC Lorient have confirmed that Nigerian striker Terem Moffi is not for sale at any price this summer as they see the exciting attacker as an integral part of the club’s medium-term project.

Moffi, signed for only €8 million from Belgian side Kortrijk last summer, finished his debut campaign in the French Ligue 1 as Lorient’s top goalscorer.

The 22-year-old found the back of the net 14 times and provided another three assists to help the then newly-promoted side avoid instant relegation.

But even just as impressive as his clinical left foot is Moffi’s raw power and searing pace that has seen the youngster being compared with new Chelsea signing Romelu Lukaku.

And it is no surprise that some of Europe’s big clubs are taking notice of a forward who only earned his two Super Eagles caps in June in the international friendlies against the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon.

Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund were among the first to be linked with a move for Moffi. And recent Soccernet.ng reports, as per FootMercato, suggest that La Liga champions Atletico Madrid and Serie A big boys Atalanta are also monitoring the Lorient star.

However, Les Merlus have moved to quickly sweep aside the transfer rumours, with head coach Christophe Pelissier insisting that club President Loic Fery has decided to keep Moffi at the Stade Yves Allainmat for this season.

Stressing further, the former Amiens manager said, as per Ouest-France: “The fact that a player like him is requested seems quite logical to me, and that is also gratifying for the work that is being done here.

“We are able to hatch very, very high-level players. Terem is already a very high-level player, and I think he will get even better with time.”

Moffi registered his first league goal of the season in Lorient’s surprising 1-0 home win over title hopefuls Monaco last weekend. The Nigerian international will look to add to that when Lorient make the trip to face Montpellier on Saturday.