Caen firm over starlet

Caen have insisted that they have not received bids from Arsenal or Lyon for starlet Yoan Gouffran and they are not looking to sell.

The 21-year-old was voted Ligue 2 Player of the Year as he helped Caen seal promotion to the French top flight.

He is now being linked with a big money move away from the club, with Arsenal and Lyon seemingly battling it out for his services.

Caen president Jean-Francois Fortin admits there is a great deal of interest in Gouffran, but insists no bids have been lodged and he would not welcome them, should they make a firm approach.

"Yoan is a very promising player, who causes a lot of interest amongst several clubs," Fortin told L'Equipe.

"I have read in the press particular interest from that of Arsenal and Lyon, but for the moment I can assure you that I haven't had a call from either Alain Perrin [Lyon coach] or Arsene Wenger."

Fortin feels Gouffran should remain at Caen next season.

"In any event he is under contract with us," he said.

"Yoan is a young player who has not played in Ligue 1 and I am convinced the best thing for him is the stage here.

"Unlike us, I am not sure the interested clubs could guarantee him a stage to perform like we can. If he is given just 20 minutes at the end of a match - I don't think that is very interesting for him.

"I honestly believe it is too early for him to leave."