After weeks of intense transfer speculation, French club FC Nantes appears poised to strengthen its defensive lineup.
According to renowned transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, `La Maison Jaune` — as Nantes is often called — reached an agreement on Friday with Southampton for the acquisition of Armel Bella-Kotchap, 23. The deal specifies that the German international defender will join the French side on a loan agreement, which includes an option for a permanent transfer.
The 23-year-old Parisian-born centre-back has experienced limited playing time in recent seasons. After his debut season with the Saints, he spent the 2023-24 season on loan with PSV in the Netherlands, where his appearances were also restricted.
This move will mark Bella-Kotchap`s inaugural professional club experience in France, having developed exclusively through various youth academies and early professional years in Germany. He originally moved to England on a four-year contract with Southampton, for an estimated fee of approximately €10 million.
Bella-Kotchap has earned two senior caps for the German national team and was notably included in Hansi Flick`s squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
In related news, Nantes will be striving for their first victory of the new Ligue 1 season this Sunday. They are scheduled to travel to Stade de la Meinau to face RC Strasbourg Alsace.