French club Nice approach Al Ain for Omar

Record Arabian Gulf League champions Al Ain have received an offer from French Ligue 1 club Nice for their talisman Omar Abdulrahman.

Although there has been no word from the club, some reports on social media have said that the loan deal has been rejected by The Boss.

The French club sent a letter to Al Ain FC on June 27, which said: "We confirm our interest for the transfer registration of the player Omar Abdulrahman to OGC Nice on a loan basis with an exclusive purchase option as of this summer transfer window 2017 in order to give him the opportunity to play the UEFA Champions League with our Club. In this context, thank you to let us know the financial conditions under which this loan might be possible. Look forward to hear from you."

It is not the first time that there has been interest from Europe for the playmaker. Dubbed the 'Arabian Messi' for his mesmerising skills, the current Asian Football of the Year made Europe sit up and take notice during the London Olympics in 2012.

That led to a two-week trial with English Premier League club Manchester City with The Sky Blues reportedly offering him a four-year deal. But the deal couldn't go through because of work permit and national team rank issues.

Another offer came calling with Portuguese club Benfica interested in taking him on a season-long loan. But that offer was not accepted by Al Ain. Other reports said that Arsenal, Spanish giants FC Barcelona, Bundesliga club Borrusia Dortmund, as well Schalke, Hamburg and Spanish club Malaga had show interest in the playmaker.

Later, Al Ain was said to have received a trial offer from Arsenal but that too was turned down with the club reportedly saying that they would only listen to serious offers. But interests kept on coming with Liverpool as well as Turkish side Galatasaray keeping an eye on Omar.

If Al Ain do accept Nice's offer, it will be a path-breaking move not just for Omar but UAE football. Nice, who finished third behind champions AS Monaco and Paris Saint Germain, are at the cusp of qualifying for the Champions League and are in the play-offs.

If Omar does make the move, he will play alongside Italian striker Mario Balotelli, formerly with Inter Milan, AC Milan, Manchester

Source: Khaleej Times