OGC Nice have been plagued by injuries in the past couple of seasons, and their problems have continued into this summer with new recruit Laurent Abergel (33) set for an extended period on the sidelines after he ruptured a cruciate ligament in his knee. 

L’Équipe reports that Nice are moving quickly to find cover for the midfielder, particularly as only Djibril Coulibaly, Morgan Sanson, and Issiaga Camara remain the only viable replacements at the club, with Hicham Boudaoui expected to leave. 

Nice have set their sights on FC Nantes’ Johann Lepenant (23) with the two clubs having made contact over the former Olympique Lyonnais midfielder. The French outlet writes that the initial discussions have been regarding a loan. 

Lepenant has been expected to leave La Maison Jaune this summer following the club’s relegation to Ligue 2. FC Lorient had earlier in the summer been linked with a player who has a contract lasting until 2029.