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Nabil Fékir’s move to Real Betis being pushed by his father

L’Équipe report that Nabil Fékir is set to move to Spanish side Real Betis, because they are currently the only interested side willing to offer a place in their 1st team squad to his 22-year-old brother, Yassin Fékir, as well.

The Lyon captain’s interests are now chiefly managed by his father, who has seen it as a priority for his two boys to be together, just as they have been during their time at Lyon.

The salary offer on the table from the Andalusian club is €600k a month pre-tax, with a contract until 2024, nearly double what Fékir is currently earning at Lyon (€350k per month, pre-tax)

The 26-year-old had been hoping to move to a slightly bigger Spanish side than the team that placed 10th in La Liga last season, but this division was always his priority destination this summer. Valencia, Sevilla & Atletico Madrid had all assessed Fékir’s situation, with Arsenal also remaining in regular contact this summer in the event of a departure for Mesut Özil.

Jorge Mendes has immersed himself in proceedings following discussions with Mr Mohamed Fékir and his son, who have not signed any mandate with any agent this summer.

Napoli came in strong this weekend with a provisional contract offer for Fékir, but Carlo Ancelotti underlined to media yesterday that the Frenchman was merely a Plan B behind his top priority target, James Rodriguez. As a result, Napoli still want to wait before making a formal bid to Lyon for the player.

OL themselves want to wait, because the offer on the table from Real Betis falls below their €30m valuation. However, Napoli do not intend to offer Fékir as good a salary as Betis have put on the table.

RMC reported yesterday that Fékir is fed up with waiting and has told Lyon to close a deal with Real Betis.

Is there one last twist in this tale?