Lyon sign Lopez

Seven times Ligue 1champions Lyon have moved to replace Real Madrid-bound Karim Benzema by agreeing a deal with Porto to sign Argentinian striker Lisandro Lopez.

In a statement posted on their website in the early hours of this morning, Lyon confirmed they have agreed a fee of €24 million with Porto, possibly rising to €28 million, for the 26-year-old.

The player must now agree personal terms and pass a medical before sealing the switch.

“Olympique Lyonnais and FC Porto have reached agreement tonight on the transfer of Argentinian international Lisandro Lopez for a sum of €24 million, plus a maximum of €4 million related to sporting achievements,” the Lyon statement said.

“The realisation of this transfer is dependent on the achievement of an agreement between the player and Olympique Lyonnais and the results of a medical examination. Olympique Lyonnais welcomes the start of its recruitment campaign with one of the best forwards currently operating in Europe.”

Lopez, who has 44 goals in 97 games for Porto, will be tasked with replacing Benzema, who is set to sign for Real Madrid in a deal worth up to €41 million. Benzema scored 23 goals in all competitions for Lyon last season.