Sunderland are one of several clubs reportedly keeping tabs on Arthur Avom.
The 21-year-old is currently on the books at FC Lorient - former club of Black Cats boss Regis Le Bris - and has emerged as an apparent option for the Wearsiders as they look to bolster their ranks in the centre of the park this summer.
In that regard, Africa Foot claim that “direct talks” have already been held between Sunderland and the Cameroonian international’s representatives, but any race for his signature is likely to be hotly contested. Alongside the Black Cats, the likes of Chelsea, RC Strasbourg, Galatasaray, and Stade Rennais have also been touted as admirers.
But for his part, Avom has made it clear that he has his sights set on reaching the very top of the professional game - an admission that could hamper Sunderland’s hopes of luring him to the Stadium of Light anytime soon.
Speaking in a recent interview with L’Equipe, when asked about his aspirations, Avom said: “My goal? To win the Champions League, the World Cup and the Africa Cup of Nations. Even if this time it ended in the quarter-finals [of AFCON], the dream continues.”
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What else has been said about Sunderland target Arthur Avom?
Elsewhere, Cameroonian journalist Martin Camus Mimb has lavished praise on Avom, highlighting his high ceiling of potential. Speaking to Le Bled Parle, he explained: “One thing is striking in the interview Arthur Avom gave to the newspaper L'Equipe a few days ago - for a long time, he was impatient to avoid rushing things. Not because of his talent, with which he won everything and outclassed everyone, even those beyond his age group. But because of the slowness of others to recognize his true potential. When he returned from the Francophonie Games, where he was named best player in 2023, he actually had everything it took to establish himself on the senior national team. Yet, at 18, he was considered too young.
“After the last Africa Cup of Nations , the first of his career where he was masterful from start to finish, some are still wondering if he has definitively established himself in his position and in the national team. Yet in England and elsewhere in the major European leagues, he is the talk of the town. Despite his small stature [1.73m], he is being compared to Yaya Touré. This means two things: he compensates for his size with impressive mobility and he boasts above-average technical skill. What he produced at the AFCON, in service of the team, was a masterpiece of control and composure.
“He has a restrained, efficient, and determined style of play that doesn't immediately catch the eye of those who watch football for other reasons. Based on what he has demonstrated with the national team and his indispensable role with FC Lorient, Arthur Avom is considered a sure bet in his position worldwide, for all players of his age group. Cameroon likely has a gem on its hands…”
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