Rangers can look forward to trips to Lyon, Sparta Prague and Brondby in this season’s Europa League but Group A’s first seeds could look considerably different by the end of the window.
French outfit Lyon are the clear favourites to progress as group winners but the Ligue 1 side face the very real threat of losing two of their most influential players this summer.
Star French midfielder Houssem Aouar has been perpetually linked with the Lyon exit door over the last few seasons.
According to the Mirror, Arsenal could be preparing a late swoop for the player even if they’re unwilling to meet Lyon’s substantial £53m asking price.
North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur have also been linked to the player with the Metro reporting that Lyon might even reduce their asking price to £25m given the 23-year-old’s desire to move.
There is also talk of a potential loan-with-obligation-to-buy deal which may well see the French international leave the Groupama Stadium before Rangers come to visit.
On top of that, Premier League outfit Burnley have also reportedly launched a £15m move for Ivory Coast international winger Maxwell Cornet [Sky Sports].
Cornet, 24, is said to be closing in on a deal which will see him join Sean Dyche’s side in what would be a record transfer for the Turf Moor club.
Despite this, the French side still have plenty of options with Brazillian attacking midfielder Lucas Paqueta, ex-Celtic forward Moussa Dembele and Swiss international Xherdan Shaqiri at the club.
But it’s clear that losing these two influential talents would come as a sizeable blow to Lyon’s chances with the Ligue 1 side winning once in their opening four league games.
Read more about Rangers’ Europa League draw and the current form of their opponents as the club gears up for a fourth straight season in the competition.
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