Vieira could boost Lyon, says Boumsong

Deposed French league champions Lyon could benefit from having ex-France skipper, and former Arsenal ace, Patrick Vieira in their line-up, defender Jean-Alain Boumsong said on Friday.

“He could contribute a great deal to the club and fill the gap left by the departure of Juninho,” Boumsong told reporters at Lyon’s training camp in this French Alpine resort.

“He has been captain of France and the experience and the aura he radiates could only add value to our team,” he added.

Although 33-year-old Vieira was an irregular performer last season at Inter Milan due to a thigh injury, has been linked with a move to Lyon.

However, manager Claude Puel, making it clear the priority now is for more attacking power rather than another defender, has approached Toulouse about striker Andre-Pierre Gignac, the league’s top goal scorer last season.

“The player is interested and is aware that we have made an offer to Toulouse, so the ball is his court,” Puel said.

The 23-year-old, who scored 24 times for Toulouse, “has the right profile and is a very good footballer,” added the coach.