French club OGC Nice have opened negotiations with Al Ahly to sign Egypt international Mohamed Abdelmonem this summer.
Abdelmonem has established himself as one of the best centre-backs in Egypt and Africa, guiding the Reds to back-to-back CAF Champions League titles.
Several European clubs have been said to monitor the Egypt international, with Gianluca Di Marzio stating that Serie A outfit Bologna are a huge fan of the player.
However, it looks like Bologna won’t have an easy road toward signing Abdelmonem as L’Équipe reported that OGC Nice has entered the race as well.
The news appears to be true as now FootMercato has revealed that the French club has started talks with Al Ahly to sign the defender this summer, with an agreement expected to be reached in the upcoming few days.
Mohamed Abdelmonem is expected to replace Jean Clair Todibo, who is rumoured to have attracted interest from Juventus and West Ham.
Nice finished last season fifth in Ligue 1 and secured Europa League football for next season and will be hoping to strengthen their squad, having lost Khéphren Thuram to Juventus earlier this summer.
On the other hand, the club has made several signings this summer, bringing in Jonathan Clauss, Morgan Sanson, and Tanguy Ndombélé for an overall total fee of just €9 million.
Nice is owned by British petrochemical giant INEOS, which also owns Swiss Super League side FC Lausanne-Sport and a 27.7% minority stake in Premier League giants Manchester United.
Abdelmonem has been a standout performer for the Red Devils since his breakthrough with the national team in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.
However, the Egyptian champions could be reluctant to part with their star defender, who has been a central pillar to their success in recent years.
Since cementing his place with the first team, Abdelmonem has made 115 appearances for Al Ahly, scoring eight goals while helping his side win nine trophies.