Malouda closer to Juve? Monday 14 May, 2007
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Juventus target Florent Malouda has confirmed that he wishes to leave Lyon at the end of the current campaign.
The 26-year-old is contracted to Lyon until 2011, but reiterated that he is keen on going to pastures new after winning his fourth consecutive Ligue 1 title.
“I am going to make it very clear, I really want to try a fresh challenge," said Malouda, who moved to the Stade Gerland from Guingamp in 2003.
“Big clubs in both England and Italy have made known their interest in me and are preparing to start negotiations with Lyon,” added the French international.
“Last summer I was already being tracked, but they weren’t the same clubs as they are now.
“I haven’t asked for a departure clause in my contract, but I am expecting a little in return from Lyon.”
Malouda, who is valued at £11m by the French outfit, had recently revealed that he was ready to consider a move to Arsenal or Juventus.
“I am attracted by Italy and the English league. Juventus and Arsenal? These are exciting clubs because they have a past and a culture of their own,” he told France Football.
The Frenchman is scheduled to meet with Lyon chief Jean Michel Aulas in the near future, as he wants to clarify the outfit’s future strategy before making his final decision.
Channel 4