Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Newcastle United are monitoring Lens centre-back Ismaelo Ganiou, whose progress in French football has attracted interest from a number of leading European clubs.
The 20-year-old defender has made significant strides over the past year and is reportedly being assessed as a potential long-term defensive signing. Fulham and Brentford are also understood to be tracking his development.
Premier League clubs monitor Lens defender
Chelsea’s ownership group, BlueCo, are among those keeping watch, while Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain, Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig have also been alerted to Ganiou’s potential.
Ganiou’s pace, physical strength and composure in possession have helped establish him as one of the more highly regarded young defenders emerging in France. Lens showed their faith in him by handing him a new four-year contract during the summer.
His rise has prompted comparisons with Raphael Varane, who also developed through the Lens academy before going on to enjoy a highly successful career at the highest level.
Ganiou has represented Burkina Faso in friendly matches but has since received opportunities at Under-21 level. His performances have also reportedly brought him to the attention of the French national set-up.
Zinedine Zidane is said to be considering the defender as a possible option for France’s senior team, although it remains unclear whether any of the clubs monitoring Ganiou will make a formal approach.
With interest continuing to build, competition for the Lens youngster’s signature could intensify as Premier League and European clubs assess his next step.
