Laurent Blanc's men have made an encouraging start to the tournament in Poland & Ukraine but could these performances be adding to players' pricetags in the transfer window?
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Laurent Blanc said many times in the build-up to Euro 2012 that he would like to have the future of several members of his squad sorted before the competition began. Unfortunately, his wish has not been fulfilled and many of his players are competing not even knowing where they will be next season. That said, for the clubs who currently own their rights, the tournament can only be a good thing. Already several of these stars have added zeros to their pricetags and with France looking in fine form it could get even better...
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MATHIEU DEBUCHY
RIGHT-BACK | LILLE |
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So far Debuchy has looked like the revelation of the Euros. Almost unknown to the general public (even in France) before the start of the competition, his performances against England and the Ukraine led to a stream of praise. A right-back with quality going both ways, Debuchy has proved himself able in the tackle and with a fine cross to boot during the tournament. Under contract with Lille until 2015, he nevertheless wants to leave LOSC this summer to try his hand elsewhere, and it is likely they will let him go.
"Twenty-six years, I want to discover something else," he said before the tournament. "I dream of playing in England but I also really like Spain or Italy. It is the right time for me to go abroad." It appears he is about to get his wish too because several European clubs are currently courting him including Newcastle, Chelsea, Inter and Valencia.
However, he has reportedly asked his agent to wait until after the Euros to make a decision, so clubs may have to wait just a little longer to get their man.
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MATHIEU VALBUENA
ATTACKING MIDFIELDER | MARSEILLE |
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During a disappointing season for Marseille, Mathieu Valbuena was something of a rare shining light. Although he scored just four goals, he proved his worth on several occasions and rightly earned his place in Blanc's squad.
Under contract to OM until 2015, the midfielder has opened discussions over an extension until 2017 which would see his wage rise.
However, several clubs retain an interest in his services and, should he fail to formalise an agreement with his club after his return from Poland & Ukraine as is expected, then they are sure to pounce.
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OLIVIER GIROUD
STRIKER | MONTPELLIER |
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Several French sources reported on Monday night that the Frenchman is 90% certain to complete a move to Arsenal in the coming days.
The Montpellier forward finished as Ligue 1's top scorer last season and led his side to the first championship win in their long history.
The athletic but also technically gifted Giroud has everything to succeed in the Premier League though it will take time for a player who has never played outside France, has no experience of European competition and boasts just seven international caps to adapt.
But he is potentially an excellent recruit for Arsenal, a club which already houses his best friend Laurent Koscielny.
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FLORENT MALOUDA
MIDFIELDER | CHELSEA |
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After failing to play following Roberto Di Matteo's arrival in March, Malouda, under contract until 2013, wants to leave Chelsea.
Despite his side's victory in the FA Cup and Champions League, the Frenchman is set to meet with Roman Abramovich and Ron Gourlay for crunch talks over his future following his return from the Euros.
The midfielder hopes to see the last year of his contract terminated as a show of good faith but is willing to run down his deal in west London should that prove not to be an option.
At the age of 32, several clubs continue to follow him closely: Juventus and Roma have always been great admirers, whilst PSG and Arsenal had contacted him last summer.
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HUGO LLORIS
GOALKEEPER | LYON |
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The financial difficulties at Olympique Lyonnais could lead the club to sell their best player this summer in the form of Hugo Lloris.
The France captain enjoyed a successful season last time out, despite the disappointing nature of his team's results. However, Lyon's failure to qualify for the Champions League means they may well struggle to hold onto one of their prized assets during the transfer window.
Lloris has never hidden his desire to play elsewhere in Europe and his performances have attracted the eye of several clubs including Tottenham and Juventus. A decision on his future will be taken after the Euros.
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YANN M'VILA
DEFENSIVE MIDFIELDER | RENNES |
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After coming so close to leaving Rennes for Arsenal in the summer of 2011, M'Vila has this time obtained the assurance of his directors that he can join the club of his choice.
Just 21 years old, he is set to be one of Europe's star midfielders with his high quality of pass and imposing physical presence marking him out as one of the most courted Ligue 1 players.
"I want to go to Arsenal. I know that they are interested in me and I am interested in them. We will see how things will evolve," he said following the win over Ukraine on Friday. This may cool interest from Bayern Munich, Chelsea and Inter but, again, nothing is certain until after the Euros have finished.
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MARVIN MARTIN
ATTACKING MIDFIELDER | SOCHAUX |
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One of the few amongst the French squad who knows where he will be playing after his club agreed a deal with Lille prior to the competition.
"There are more than a few small details to resolve but I am very happy. I really want to work with Rudi Garcia, Lille coach," he told reporters just a few days ago.
At the age of 24, he is set to light up the Champions League for the first time next season and it will certainly be interesting to see if he continues his progression at a larger club.
