Lyon confirm that Dembele is set for Atletico Madrid transfer

Atletico Madrid are edging closer to a transfer for striker Moussa Dembele. The Lyon forward, who is considered one of Europe's top attacking talents, is wanted by Atleti to lead the club's title charge as the team firmly sit at the top of the league table.

Lyon's sporting director Juninho admitted that Dembele is on his way out of the club this month: "Moussa came to see me, he thinks that this is the moment to change teams, that he has lost a bit of motivation. This was not something we foresaw, I like him a lot. 

“Keeping someone who does not really want to keep up the intensity through the next five months, that is not ideal. 

“We are in talks with Atletico, I think that Moussa has found an agreement with Atletico.”

It is understood that Atletico were hoping to sign the player on loan initially, with anticipation of a long-term permanent deal to be agreed in the summer for a fee of around 85 million euros. Dembele has two and a half years remaining on his Lyon contract.