Sunderland aim to beat Chelsea to bring FC Lorient’s Arthur Avom to the Premier League in the summer.
That’s at least what Africa Foot are now reporting. They cover the latest on Sunderland, Chelsea and other clubs’ interest in the 21-year-old.
Régis Le Bris arrived at the Stadium of Light in June 2024, after spending two years at FC Lorient.
The Cameroon international joined the Ligue 1 side when Le Bris was in charge. Last summer, Sport Witness relayed news the Black Cats manager wanted to reunite with his former player.
However, a move never materialised in 2025, and Sunderland seem to haven’t forgotten about the midfielder.
Sunderland and Chelsea keen
Le Bris’ side are back in the mix to sign Avom, who has less than six months left on his contract.
This would have alerted a few clubs like Chelsea, RC Strasbourg, Galatasaray and Stade Rennais. These teams have joined Sunderland in the chase to secure the Cameroonian’s services in the next window.
According to the report, the Stadium of Light club have ‘gained an advantage over their rivals’. In other words, Sunderland have taken the lead in the race, ahead of Chelsea and others that shown interest in him.
Avom’s agents are in ‘direct talks’ with the Black Cats over a summer transfer. Africa Foot adds a four-year contract with an option for another year is discussed. However, the two parties haven’t reached an agreement so far.
Their title say Sunderland ‘intensifying discussions’ to acquire the Ligue 1 midfielder’s services. This should give Liam Rosenior’s side hope to try and get ahead of their Premier League counterpart.
Avom’s contract and value
Arthur Avom
Transfermarkt values Avom at €9m. His contract lasts until June 2026, with Lorient having an option to extend that by a further year.
Africa Foot haven’t taken this option into account or at least mentioned it in their report.
If the French club were to exercise it, Sunderland, Chelsea or another club will then have to agree terms to sign Avom.