Nantes pull out of deals to sign Chidozie Awaziem and Christian Kouamé | OneFootball

FC Nantes have pulled out of the race to sign Boavista centre-back Chidozie Awaziem (26) and Fiorentina forward Christian Kouamé (25), according to a report this Tuesday from Presse Océan.

Les Canaris‘ start to the Ligue 1 season is far from going according to plan. Pierre Aristouy’s side have lost their opening two games – at home against Toulouse (1-2) and at Lille (0-2) – and their transfer activity is stalling. It transpired recently that Nantes had agreed a €1.5m deal with Boavista for the signing of Awaziem, who had agreed personal terms. The Nigerian centre-back was expected to return to La Beaujoire, where he had spent the 2017-18 season on loan from FC Porto.

However, Nantes had decided to stall the deal when it was reported that Awaziem would become a free agent due to a dispute with Boavista over unpaid wages. However, the situation was reportedly settled and the Nigerian started in Boavista’s first two league wins in the Portuguese top flight. Presse Océan understands that Nantes are being kept in the dark by Boavista, with the club presumably offended by the Canaris’ attempt to land Awaziem on a free. Nantes, therefore, decided to walk out of the deal. The Ligue 1 side are in the market for an experienced centre-back following the sale of Andrei Girotto to Saudi Arabian club Al-Tawoon – although Aristouy had labelled the Brazilian as “unsellable“.

To make matters worse for Nantes, Fiorentina have reportedly rejected their €8m bid for the signing of Ivory Coast international Christian Kouamé. Nantes then pulled of the deal to sign the 25-year-old forward. Presse Océan understands that Aristouy’s side are also in the market for a left-back and that the arrival of Corinthians’ midfielder Adson will be announced in the coming days. Nantes will host Monaco this Friday for Ligue 1’s third matchday.

GFFN | Bastien Cheval