Lens is reportedly in advanced discussions with Udinese for the transfer of Florian Thauvin, with the deal estimated at 6 million EUR. Thauvin is said to have given his agreement in principle at the end of July following several weeks of reflection. The Lens project is understood to include a three-year contract, an axial position in Pierre Sage's system, and a leadership role in a largely renewed squad. Thauvin, the 32-year-old French winger who scored 9 goals in 26 matches across all competitions for the 2024-2025 season, is poised to become the third 2018 World Cup champion, after Paul Pogba and Olivier Giroud, to potentially return to Ligue 1. His contract with Udinese is set to expire on June 30, 2026, and Transfermarkt estimates his current market value at €5 million. Fiorentina is also reported to be a recently linked club.