Sunderland are showing serious intent in their efforts to build a squad strong enough to avoid relegation from the Premier League next season. Determined not to suffer an immediate drop back to the Championship, the club has already made some impressive moves in the transfer market. They’ve secured the signing of Enzo Le Fee from AS Roma, completed a club-record £30 million deal for Habib Diarra from Strasbourg, and added Noah Sadiki from Royale Union Saint-Gilloise. But their transfer activity isn’t stopping there. Reports suggest Sunderland are also in talks with Chelsea to sign goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic, who has a past connection with Diarra from their time in Ligue 1. In addition, the club is actively pursuing a new striker—someone they hope can emulate the success of former club heroes like Asamoah Gyan, Steven Fletcher, or Jermain Defoe.
According to Foot Mercato, Sunderland have expressed interest in signing Lyon striker Georges Mikautadze following Lyon’s controversial relegation from Ligue 1. However, Mikautadze is not their top choice. The club has identified Nantes forward Matthis Abline as their priority target to lead the line next season. It’s reported that Sunderland have already tabled a £17 million offer for the 22-year-old Frenchman, though it remains unclear whether that amount will be enough to convince Nantes to sell.
Should they succeed in bringing Abline to Wearside, Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris could have a modern-day version of Asamoah Gyan on his hands. Gyan joined the club in the summer of 2010 for a then-record fee of £13 million from Rennes, and quickly made an impact. In his first full season, he netted 10 Premier League goals in 31 appearances, helping the team stay afloat in the top division.
Abline appears to possess similar potential. A France U21 international, he had a breakout season with Nantes in Ligue 1, drawing praise for his all-round attacking contributions. Football talent scout Jacek Kulig noted that the young striker was “making waves in Ligue 1,” and his numbers support that assessment. Abline consistently outperformed his expected goals (xG) and created high-quality chances for his teammates. One of his standout moments came when he scored a remarkable solo goal against Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain, showcasing the kind of individual brilliance needed at Premier League level.
In summary, Matthis Abline could well become Sunderland’s new Gyan—a big-money striker from Ligue 1 with the talent and confidence to shine in England’s top flight. If the Black Cats can get this deal over the line, they’ll be one step closer to securing their Premier League future.
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