---
title: "Rachid Ghezzal skips Lyon opener to force move"
canonical: "https://readwestham.com/2016/08/15/rachid-ghezzal-skips-lyon-opener-force-move/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Ben Warner"
section: "West Ham News"
published: "2016-08-15T12:00:41Z"
modified: "2016-08-15T12:00:41Z"
---

# Rachid Ghezzal skips Lyon opener to force move

West Ham United target Rachid Ghezzal missed his team’s first game of the season in Ligue 1, and [Sport Witness](https://sportwitness.co.uk/player-skips-match-west-ham-submit-offer-everton-also-keen-snatching/) are quoting *L’Equipe* as writing Lyon manager Bruno Genesio tried to avoid being drawn on the winger who is being heavily linked with a move away during this transfer window.

Without the attacker, Lyon still won their opening match, comfortably beating Nancy 3-0. “*He felt discomfort in his* groin*,*” was the response Genesio tried to use to explain the absence of Ghezzal from the squad post-match, but *L’Equipe* believe that due to him trying to depart quickly it could be something more than that. With his contract up next summer, several clubs are keen on the 24-year-old, including West Ham.

![Kaz Photography/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readwestham.com/readwestham/2016/08/454488590.jpg)

However, Lyon seem to want to hang onto him, and have rejected bids from both The Hammers and Everton, of £7 million and £8.5 million respectively. Arsenal also want to bring him in, but would rather wait until January and try to complete a pre-contract instead of trying to deal with the French club.

Last year, Ghezzal played the most appearances he has in a single season for Lyon’s senior side, with 29. During that time he scored eight times from out wide, giving him a total of 61 Ligue 1 appearances. His exploits have also earned him call-ups to the senior Algeria national team, for whom he has earned three caps.