Arsenal, Leeds and Forest Given Transfer Boost as Key Deadline Approaches for Lyon

Arsenal, Leeds United, Nottingham Forest, and several other clubs may soon benefit from a developing situation involving French side Lyon, as the club faces mounting financial pressure.

Lyon were handed a shock administrative relegation last month by the DNCG, French football’s financial watchdog, after failing to meet strict financial requirements. The club has since appealed the decision and now knows exactly what is needed to overturn the sanction.

According to L’Équipe, Lyon must raise €200 million to stand any chance of reversing the decision. Crucially, €100 million of that sum must be deposited into the club’s accounts by July 10—the date of their appeal hearing. The remaining €100 million must be secured through financial projections by the end of the 2025/26 season.

The situation follows months of uncertainty surrounding Lyon’s finances, with concerns mounting over the club’s financial stability under owner John Textor, who is also involved in the sale of his shares at Crystal Palace.

With the deadline fast approaching, Lyon are expected to accelerate player sales in an urgent bid to raise the necessary funds. This could present an opportunity for interested clubs such as Arsenal, Leeds, and Nottingham Forest, who are closely monitoring Lyon’s players.

While Lyon remain hopeful of avoiding relegation, the likelihood of outgoing transfers is growing as they race to meet the financial demands set by the DNCG.